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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE CONQUERED 

A Semi-Tragic Drama 
in Four Acts 



By P. H. TONEY 




THE 

CONQUERED 



BY 

P. H. TONEY 



A Semi-Tragic Drama 

IN 

Four Acts 



LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 
1919 






Copyright, 1919, by P. H. Toney. 
All rights reserved. 



•CI.A5355B1 



OCT 27 1919 



DEDICATION 

To the Italian soldier that, in spite of the insidious and 
cowardly pretenses of London politicians infected with 
diseases as yellow as the gold they receive in exchange for 
honor, justice and truth, commercializing the purity of peace 
and democracy with young America's precious blood 
(via the triumvirate) for Dutch g oldie ai ; to the Haitian sol- 
dier that in time of stress stood unflinching to triumph, and 
in triumph stands united to hold the glory dearly and hon- 
estly earned, in spite of those petty Shylocks and modern 
Judas. Though 'the switchlight of Paris, and the mystic 
London, deep and damp as the putrid foggy veil which 
covers the mysterious plague that infects with its pretentious 
nausea the spirit of truth. 

To the American heroes who, in the name of Democracy, 
Peace and Liberty, fought and won gloriously for the just 
principles, that their young faces may shine with the spirit 
of Justice, and decry down with the mask of the unsincere 
apostle that betrayed those same principles; to the American 
immortal heroes that they may find a little sympathy for 
their Italian brothers whom the world manipulated and 
dominated by injustice, and big-mouthed cowards are trying 
to counterfeit their most sacred dues and their purity of 
spirit and confidence. 

Light up the torch of Liberty so its power may reach 
every human mind and conscience to withhold the rights of 
everyone and do away with sacrifices forever! 

P. H. TONEY. 



FOREWORD 

The Conquered was written in the summer of 1918. Its retarded 
appearance was due to conditional and individual circumstances 
encountered by the author on his transit through the thorny trail 
to reach his desired purpose and give to light his first mental 
creation, hoping to find a spot in the public mind and heart, where 
sympathy dwells, and obtain a share in return for the mental toils 
with wakeful nights in order to procure and give what he thought 
best. Now you are the judge, so judica me Deus; then, fiat 
voluntas tua. 

On November the 24th, 1918, the synopsis was extracted and 
submitted for publication to a magazine {The Scenario Bulletin), 
which is in the business of marketing plays for the screen. Four 
months later, after I threatened them and begged with letters so 
many times, they published it dismembered and mutilated intently, 
vilely by the saw-edged sword of a scenario writer well trained 
and naturally a gifted infanticide of the famous land for such 
deeds, a German. At the first sight of such an outrage I pro- 
tested with provoking and inflamatory entreaties, for which they 
promised to republish it again after I, myself, restored its missing 
limbs that had been cut to make it appear a shame and a toy of 
derision. It is about four months more that has passed in expec- 
tancy and promises. Now I object to any more deceiving action 
on their part and will begin a suit in the courts to decide my 
sacred rights. 



The nature of the play, I consider, is of undisputable human 
kindness, faithful to the ideals of a democratic and patriotic people. 
A small group of Belgians united to escape the lamentable and 
unjust oppression of the brutal foe. They treat themselves as 
brothers in all respects, fight and die all for the same cause : to 
stamp out their exploiters. Madame Grevier is considered as a 
mother by them all, while she is only the grandmother of Armand. 
Jannette, David and their little sister, Roxane, orphans, have 
found shelter under the roof and loving bosom of Madame Gre- 
vier. Durand also is an outsider of Madame Grevier's family, but 
acts as one of the family and is regarded so. Goboreau, Roquiere 
and Maurice, are refugees, who unite on the escape with Marie, 
the outraged girl. The rest cited or criticized herewith without 
regard of their rank or class, sect or race, are the adjunt characters 
to make the play what it is, composed of heroes and villians, 
all necessary for the theme. 

The Author. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 



Armand du Bois 

durand brison 

Madame Grevier, Armand' s Grandmother 

ROXANE 



Three orphans living with 
Madame Grevier 



David 

Jannette 

Marie 

Maurice 

Gobcreau 

roquiere 

Von Braken 

Sergeant Batch 

German Soldiers 

American Soldiers, in last Act 



THE CONQUERED 

ACT I. 

Interior of a small peasant house; kitchen and dining 
room. The construction is of stone, rustic and old. Out- 
side entrance on the right; in rear, a window with wooden 
enclosure. Next to window on the corner to the left, a 
stone stairway leading to the upper story. Between stair- 
way and fireplace, on the left wall, is a cupboard contain- 
ing cooking utensils. Farther below, from fireplace, a door 
connecting to another room. Furniture, a square table in 
center, four wooden chairs and two home-made benches. 
The place appears neat but in need of things. As the cur- 
tain rises, Madame Grevier is sitting by the table, weary 
and pale from long sufferings. David and Roxane on floor 
playing silently with a rag doll. The orchestra plays a 
lamentous air fitting to the introduction of oppressed people 
and a desolated scene, dying as the curtain reaches its stable 
place. Time, late afternoon, sun setting. The light reflects 
from open window. Silence reigns. 

SCENE I. 
Madame Grevier, David and Roxane. 
Madame Grevier {sighing). 
David, dear, go and see if your sister is coming. 

David. 
I will, mother. The Boches are keeping them later than 
usual. 

Roxane {going to Madame Grevier). 
I am hungry! 

David. 
Forget it ! wait till they come. 

Madame Grevier {soothingly). 
Dear heart. My child {fervently). Oh, piteous Lord, 
have mercy on those innocent souls! Your protection and 



10 THE CONQUERED 

your blessed grace is needed. Thou hast piety and power 
to end this miserable struggle. 

Roxane {burying her face on Madame Grevier s breast). 
I am hungry ! Hoo-oo ! 

Madame Grevier. 
My poor darling! You are forced to suffer such injus- 
tices. Why cruel fate ? Poor innocent Belgian children ! 
You have committed no crime, and still you are suffering 
this brutal misery forced upon you by tyrant hands. {To 
David:) Go and look for your sister, honey. 

David {walking to exit). 
Alright, mother; going now. 

Roxane. 

Wait; I want to go, too. 

David {taking her by the hand to Madame Grevier). 

Goodbye, grandma. 

Madame Grevier {affectionately). 
Goodbye, dears ! Goodbye ! 

{Exit children.) 
Madame Grevier {sighs seeing the children go). 

It is a pity, humans against humans will 
Enter the gardens with brutal power ; 
Destroy fruits, lusty plunder and kill 
The industrious gardener, the innocent flower. 

It is a pity to come in and spoil 
Your home, happiness and, more than all, 
Blessed joys, with your life's toil, 
Then slave for them after you fall ! 

It is a pity ! to drain blood and tears, 
For the enemy you loathe and hate ; 
See the torture of those to you dear — 
Sooner or later you may have the same fate. 
{Pauses, listening to faint voices outside.) 
What is that? 



ACT I. SCENE II. 11 

Roxane (running in). 
Ma ! Ma-ma ! They are coming ! 

Madame Grevier (meeting her). 
Who? What is it, child? 

(A mans voice outside.) 
Hey ! Don't shoot ! Catch her alive ! 

David (coming in). 
They are chasing Marie. 

Madame Grevier (embracing the two). 
Who is chasing her ? Why ? And 

(A woman s voice is heard.) 
The brutes ! Help ! Help ! 

Madame Grevier. 
My good God ! What's that ? 

SCENE II. 

Same. Marie entering frightened. Madame Grevier, 
David, Roxane, Sergeant Batch and two German soldiers. 

Marie (entering). 
Help me ! Please, help ! They are coming ! 

(Mans voice outside.) 
You bonehead ! You couldn't chase a cow in a crystal 
corral ! 

(Second voice.) 
Nix for your compliments. 

Madame Grevier (trembling). 
What can I do? 

Marie. 
God help us all ! 

(Voice outside.) 
I seen her. There — she went in there ! 

(Other voices.) 
Are you sure? 



12 THE CONQUERED 

David {going to close the door.) 
Gran'ma, they are coming here. 

Marie. 
I must go! 

Madame Grevier {pointing to the stairs). 
Yes, yes ! Go upstairs. Hurry ! 

Marie {starting to go). 
They know I am here. They may punish you for 

Madame Grevier. 
Never mind about me. Go ! Go ! 

{Voice outside the entrance.) 
This is the place she went. 

{Batch rushes in, two soldiers following.) 

Batch {holding the door open). 
Oh! yes, here she is. {To soldier) Go get her! before 
you lose her again ! 

{Soldier, walking across the room, picks up David, who 
stands in his way, throws him to one side.) 

Out with you — Lamb ! 

Madame Grevier {spasmodic). 
Have pity, sir ! Oh ! poor children ! Poor Marie ! 

Soldier {grabbing Marie). 
Come on, chicken ! 

Marie {screaming). 
Help ! Oh, ma ! Let me go ! 

Madame Grevier {stepping toward the soldier). 
Mercy, sir ! Why such brutality *? Are you human or 
what? 

Batch {with his fox smile). 
Stay away ! Stay away ! 

Marie {resisting). 
You brute ! Let me go ! {Fights for her freedom.) Let 
me go, you dog! 



ACT I. SCENE II. 13 

Soldier {losing his patience). 
Prairie chicken! I never thought that you were so wild. 
{Twisting her arm). Will tame you. 

Marie {fighting). 
Help! Oh! mother, help! 

Batch {laughs, motioning to a soldier). 
Help him to quiet her down. I didn't know that he was 
physically unfit. 

Madame Grevier {grabbing Batch's sleeve). 
Can it be that you are so heartless *? 

Batch {shoving her, causing her to fall). 
Enough of your pleas ! 

David. 
Cowards ! You shall pay for this. 

Batch {pushing him with his boot). 
Get out, you sap sucker! 

Madame Grevier. 
Horror ! How beastly humans can be ! 

Marie {faintly). 
Oh! He-l-p! MyG-od-d! 

Batch (to soldier). 
Come on ! pack your prey and go ! 

David. 
Cowards ! Dogs ! Damn you ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Do not swear, my son. Oh! faithless humans in the 
hands of those you hate ! 

Batch. 
March! Take her along. 

Marie. 
Goodbye (exiting). Goodbye Davie, dear. 

David. 
Goodbye, Marie, goodbye ! 



14 THE CONQUERED 

Madame Grevier {getting up). 
Goodbye ! God be with you, poor dear ! 

David {soothingly). 
Did he hurt you, ma? 

Madame Grevier {painfully). 
Not a bit {walking to a chair). Come here, honey. Sit 
down with me. 

David. 
When I'm big I'll kill him for this. 

Madame Grevier. 
Yes — if they let you grow. 

David. 
Oh, they can't kill everybody, can they? 

Madame Grevier. 
It's too big a job. Though they are going at it pretty 
fast, I don't believe they will succeed. 

Roxane {who has been coiled on Madame Grevier s breast.) 

I am hungry ! 

Madame Grevier. 

Are you sure"? Well, well! {To David) Get some bread 
for your sister. 

{David goes to cupboard, gets a piece of black bread. Mad- 
ame Grevier cuts a chunk for Roxane, then hands it to David 
saying :) 

Take it back to the shelf, dear. 

David {taking off a bite). 
I wish they were here now, so we would eat. 

Madame Grevier. 
Are you hungry, too? 

David. 
Well, I— oh, no ! 

Roxane. 
I want a drink. 



ACT I. SCENE II. 15 

David. 

I will get you water {gets water from a pitcher, gives it to 
her). What more do you want now? 

ROXANE. 

Nothing. Thank you. 

David {bowing). 
Always at your service, mademoiselle ! 

Madame Grevier {forcing a smile). 
You naughty boy ! Light the fire for me, please. 

David {bowing again). 
With pleasure. I am delighted to serve you. 

Madame Grevier. 
Thank you, little gentleman. 

David. 
Not a bit. Are you cold ? 

Madame Grevier. 
More than cold, yes. 

David {blowing the coals which spark, then catch to the 

wood, emanating little light which illuminates the dark 

room, seeming that night has come). 

Come on close, Gran'ma. 

Madame Grevier {coming close to the fire). 
Thank you! And now do me another favor, will you? 

David. 
Two if you wish. What is it? 

Madame Grevier. 
To close up the window. 

{David goes, closes window and door, then comes back 
smiling at some thought, sits by the fire.) 

Madame Grevier. 
You are a gentleman, my son. 



16 THE CONQUERED 

David. 
Oh, don't thank me, please. And by the way, when are 
you going to give me that flag, gran'ma ? 

Madam Grevier {seeing Roxane asleep}. 
Oh, dear, you are away from this thorny world for a 
while. 

David {pressing his question). 
You promised it to me. Remember*? 

Madame Grevier. 
I will give it to you some day — yes. 

David {all aglow with the prospect). 
I will plant that flag on a pile of dead Boches, and shout 
"Hurrah for Belgium! Down with Prussian oppression!" 

Madame Grevier. 
Don't talk too loud, sonny. 

David {putting a finger to his lips). 
Shu — they are coming! {He gets up, goes and opens 
door. A girl's voice is heard outside.) 
Hello, David ! 

David {going out). 
Hello, sis ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Thank God, they are here ! 

SCENE III. 

Same : Jannette, Armand and David entering. Madame 
Grevier by the fire. 

Jannette {advancing). 
Hello, gran'ma! How are you? 

Madame Grevier. 
You late birds, hello! {Looking at Armand.) One miss- 
ing? 

Jannette {after kissing Madame Grevier). 
Durand, you mean? 



ACT I. SCENE III. 17 

Madame Grevier. 
Yes. And how is my boy Armando Are you going to 
speak to me or not? 

Armand {turning suddenly from his inspection). 
Pardon me, mother, but I — I 

Madame Grevier. 
Never mind your inquisitiveness. Kiss me first. 

Armand {kisses her, then resumes). 
I was saying that something has happened here. 

Madame Grevier. 
Nothing new but what happens so often. 

Jannette {affectionately). 
What was it mother ? Who ? 

David. 
The Huns were here. They took Marie away. One 
kicked gran'ma, too. 

Jannette {passionately). 
The beasts ! Poor dear, are you hurt Y 

Madame Grevier {half sobbing). 
Nothing pains me any more. The blood seems to have 
ceased to flow. I feel no pain whatever. 
Armand {bitterly). 
Lusty carnifexes ! I wonder why such beasts in human 
form should exist. The race that has consecrated all her 
energies to ravage and destroy what other beings have built 
for human benefits. A race that has spread her school of 
deceit ; the KULTUR ! Based on internationalism made in 
Germany! The Kultur has educated her subjects to murder 
innocent children ! to abuse outrageously helpless women ! 
The Kultur ! invented by a sect of butchers, with their hands 
still bleeding, their faces smiling eternally gloating of 
their murderous deeds. 

Madame Grevier {interrupting). 
Good God ! my son. You don't mean that every German 
is so? Do you? 



18 THE CONQUERED 

Armand. 
I mean that and more. 

{Jannette takes Roxane from Madame Grevier s lap, sits 
on a low bench by David.) 

Madame Grevier. 
God has made man equal in resemblance but different 
in opinion and nature. I believe in Germany are some good 
people as in other countries. 

Armand. 
It pains me immensely to retort you. But this God of 
yours, with all his stupendous genius, his immortality, his 
good will and wishes, are all against humanity. He is 
directing the original butchers to slaughter the flocks that 
he himself has brought to life. Why, if his ability is as 
they claim, and he lets these monstrosities go on on this 
earth, I'd rather pray the devil to come and settle things ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Armand ! You are mad ! You are losing your senses ! 

Armand. 
Maybe so, but I am not a pro-German ! 

Madame Grevier. 
You can't mean that, my boy? How could you? 

Armand {with emphasis). 
This God of yours, that seems to gloat over our misery, 
sitting somewhere upon the clouds, proud of his artistic 
genius of creating such animals, he must have sprung from 
German parents ! And I am not very friendly with such 
people ! I am* a Belgian, deprived of my parents and means 
of subsistence, slaving for the brutal conqueror to help 
carry on his plans of rampant conquest ! 

Madame Grevier {sobbing). 
This is too much. You are losing faith in our protector, 
our creator! You are denouncing me cruelly, son. {Cover- 
ing her face, sobs.) I never thought you would classify 
me so. 



ACT I. SCENE III. 19 

Jannette (soothingly). 
Do not mind him, mother; he is mad, sure. (To Armand, 
who is undecided what to do:) Ask her forgiveness or else 
I never want to speak to you again ! 

Armand (moved by Jannette and Madame Grevier' s sobs, 
kneels down). 
Forgive me, mother. I — I was a beast. I never thought 
that you would take it that way. Repentantly I ask of you 
a thousand pardons, sweetest of mothers ! 

Madame Grevier (caressing Armand' s head affectionately). 
My son ! my boy ! You are the only remains I have of 
the goodness of your poor father and his beloved wife, your 
mother. I loved them and you always. Nothing can turn 
or destroy that love; nothing! Isn't that true, dear*? 

Armand (with emotion). 
Yes, mother of mine ! 

Jannette (gratified). 
That's better ! I'm so glad. 

David (sleepily). 
So am I. 

Armand (kissing Madame Grevier, then sitting up with a 
satisfied sigh). 
We are all glad. 

Madame Grevier (getting up). 
Yes, indeed, we are. I must go to bed and take the chil- 
dren. (To Jannette and Armand:) You wait for Durand. 
Jannette. 
Yes, mother. But I want to help you to bed with the 
children. 

Armand (kissing Madame Grevier). 
Goodnight, old darling. Rest in peace. Goodnight. 
Madame Grevier (exiting with David, and Jannette carry- 
ing Roxane). 
Thank you, son. Goodnight ! 

(Exit Madame Grevier and the children.) 



20 THE CONQUERED 

SCENE IV. 

Same : Armand alone by the fire. Jannette later. 

Armand {soliloquizing). 
The idea of gran'ma's is as funny as the old saying in the 
Bible, "Love your enemies." Let them slap you on the face, 
then thank that great artist, God Almighty, for the benefit 
you get from the stroke you received. Ain't it delightful 
to love the murderers of your father and mother*? To for- 
give and pardon those who have stolen your property, your 
freedom, forcing you to slave for them {with emphasis). 
Thou omnipotent imaginary being, "with your fabulous 
gifts," why don't you get a move and stop this bloody mur- 
der 4 ? Make yourself a better name. Establish peace and 
happiness among those tumultuous* beings, your sons {with 
irony). You are a joke — an imaginary joke ! I hate every- 
one that wastes time in prayers to dodge cowardly his duty 
to protect humanity ! 

{Jannette appears at the door, listens silently.) 

It's hateful to think of such a monster upon the clouds 
directing these professional thieves. It's more than hateful 
to see your sons slaughtered by shells, poison gas and liquid 
fire while praying with all their might for your mercy, your 
protection. Why don't you convert those shells into roses, 
or the poisonous gas into an aromatic perfume to embalm 
the wounds and afflictions of these poor victims'? I hate 
you ! I hate everyone that believes in you ! 

I hate {pauses as he hears Jannette coming). 

Jannette {standing in front of him). 
Well ? What ails you now ? 

{Armand looks at her in silence; she resumes.) 

Gran'ma said you were mad. I believe you are. {Pauses, 
expecting him to speak. He articulates, attempting to an- 
swer, but fails. She goes on.) A while ago you were say- 



ACT I. SCENE IV. 21 

ing "I hate." You are full of hate ; nothing but hate ! Hate ! 

hate! and 

Armand {recovering). 
I do hate everything but you. 

Jannette. 
Well? What next, then? 

Armand. 
Then it's simply that I love you. 

{Jannette forces a smile in silence.) 

Armand. 

I loved you and love you still. 

Nothing on earth can love destroy, 
Onlv death, and then, I believe, I will. 

• To die loving is pleasure and joy. 
A burning heart palpitant thrills, 

Eager and easier, my thoughts to annoy. 
Nothing can interest or please me above 

Than this sweet and persistent love. 

Jannette. 
Hoo ! How wonderful {coloring), but — I — I 

Armand. 

You are my idol, oh ! beloved dream. 

You are my hope and joy the same. 
Golden cup, full to the brim — 

With soothing balms, quell this flame, 
That burns in my breast in full stream, 

Uncontrollable, and can never be tame. 
Persistently the desire of thy bliss 

Calls from thine lips a soothing kiss. 

Jannette {panting). 
You are the kindest of brothers. I love you as one, but 
otherwise, prospects are feeble. 



22 THE CONQUERED 

Armand. 
You mean that you can never love me any more than 
brother-like? Jannie, I care for you differently {advancing 
to her). Is there anyone that you love, that you care for, 
more than a brother, as I love you more than any sister? 

Jannette. 
None. You are the only — you alone. But look at the 
present state of things. 

Armand {eager). 
Sweetest of beings ! Do not let any fear of any sort dis- 
turb your heart feelings {taking her hand). Say that you 
care again, blessed, dear girl. Sweetheart of mine ! 

Jannette {looking up at him). 
I do — y-es — I — I 

(Armand embraces her roughly, kissing her on the lips be- 
fore she can say any more; then holds her at arm's length, 
saying:) 

Fight and die is so dear now that I know you love me 
{kissing her again). Die for you is sweet joy that I could 
and would die right now and transmit my last love breath 
deep into your tender soul. (Kisses her again.) 

Jannette {coming to her senses again). 
Now, you silly, quit! {Frees herself.) Let me go, yo-u 
rough man. {He lets her go; she sits on chair.) I — I'll tell 
gran'ma on you. 

Armand {taking her hand.) 
Forgive me, dearest. I — I will do it again. 

Jannette. 
Oh! Ple-a-se! (He kisses her once more.) Hoo! Ar- 
m-and! quit, I say, quit! (laughing). Ah! ha! ha! (cov- 
ering her face) . Quit, no-w ! 

Armand. 
Your lips once more, sweetheart ! Just once ! 

Jannette. 
No, that's enough ! No-ow, no! 



ACT I. SCENE IV. 23 

Armand {attempting to be comic). 
Listen ! Just once more ! 

Jannette. 
Hush, dear; be a good boy now. 

Armand. 
My lips are dry as the Sahara desert. One more little kiss 
and I will ask you again after the last. 

Jannette. 
Listen, you silly thing ! We forgot all about Durand. 

Armand. 
Your kindness never forgets whom deserves your atten- 
tion. 

Jannette. 
It's rather late now, you see. I fear something may have 
happened to him. 

Armand {reassuring). 
He is a good scout. He will evade the Hun. 

Jannette. 
He has been more than a brother to us all. 

Armand {sitting by her). 
Durand is a gentleman. 

Jannette. 
Poor boy ! Remember how he was wounded *? And how he 

recovered so soon {stops ; listening, a knock on the door 

is heard). 

Armand {getting up). 
I bet anything that is him. 

Jannette. 
I hope so 

Armand {walking to the door). 
Hello there! Durand? 

{Durand'' 's voice outside.) 
Open the door, please. 



24 THE CONQUERED 

SCENE V. 
Same: Durand entering; Armand, Jannette. 

Armand {greeting Durand as he enters with a package 
under his arm). 
You are late, but sure, brother ! 

Durand {laying packages on table). 
Yes, I am sure, but late {greeting Jannette). Here we 
are! How is my sweet sister and everybody*? 

Jannette. 
All well, thank you. 

Durand. 
Sorry to have kept you up so late, folks. 

Jannette. 
And what's the excuse? 

Durand {sitting by the little fire). 
Keep cool, little girl. I sneaked one on the Boche. 

Armand {laughing softly). 
I thought you were up to something. 

Durand. 
It was difficult. 

Jannette. 
You naughty man, you mustn't take such risks ! 

Armand. 
We must eat to live. 

Jannette. 

I know, but 

Armand {interrupting). 
Tell us us about the news at headquarters. 

Durand. 
We were working on a new code book for the time of 
action. 

Jannette {eagerly). 
Oh ! splendid news ! 



ACT I. SCENE V. 25 

Armand. 
How are the comrades'? 

Jannette. 
Tell us all, please ! And we will tell you something new, 
too. 

DURAND. 

I want your news first. 

Armand. 
Come on, sport ; let's hear it. 

Durand (insistently} . 
Nothing doing! Yours first. 

Jannette. 
Well, it's — it is — he (pointing to Armand) — you tell him, 
will you ? 

Durand (turning to Armand). 
What is it? 

Armand (clears his throat). 
We have been talking about getting married. 

Durand (brightening). 
Who? You two? 

Armand. 
Jannette and I. 

Durand (questioning Jannette). 
Do you love him? 

Jannette (happily). 
Why . . . Y-es! 

Durand (embracing her). 
Dearest sister, I am delighted to participate in your hap- 
piness at this moment (shoving her to Armand). My hearty 
congratulations, lucky brother. You happy pair! You 
kept me guessing all that time ; trying to rob me of this de- 
lightful moment, eh? 

Armand. 
Now is your turn. 



26 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette. 
Comply with your promise now. 

Durand. 
I haven't much to impart to you. 

Armand. 
Well, tell us, anyway. 

Durand. 
It's only a newborn baby. Needs a lot of nursing yet. 

Armand. 
Just starting. I see. 

Durand {changing subject). 
By the way, how is the old girl, and the kiddies'? 

Jannette. 
Oh, they are alright, only they went to bed supperless. 

Durand {sighing). 
That's too bad ! 

Armand. 
We'll fast for tonight, I guess. 

Durand. 
You two can fast, because you ate that young and tender 
Cupid all by yourselves. But them 

{A vigorous knock on the door. The three turn, startled. 
Durand throws package in corner.) 

Jannette {shaking with fear). 
I wonder who they are ? 

Armand {going to the door). 
I don't know. 

Durand. 
It's strange, at this hour. 

{Knocking again, and a voice.) 

Open the door ! 

Jannette. 
Armand, don't go, please ! 



ACT I. SCENE VI. 27 

Durand {going to the door; to Armand). 
Stay back there ! I will open the door ! {Calling:) Who's 
there ? 

{A knock and voice.) 
Open and see! 

Jannette {trembling). 
The gendarmes? 

Armand. 
Who are you, anyway*? 

Voice. 
You are wasting time. Open or I will break it ! 

Armand {resolutely). 
Open, and let him in. 

Jannette {faintly). 
No! 

{A vigorous blow breaks the window open; a spiked 
helmet appears, ordering:) 

Open that door ! Up with your hands ! 

{Durand opens the door, then puts his hands up as ordered.) 

SCENE VI. 

Same : Durand at door ; Jeannette and Armand by the 
table. Batch and two soldiers enter with leveled guns, 
ready to shoot. 

Batch {to the soldiers). 
Search them first, then search the house ! 

Jannette. 
Oh ! Mother ! 

Armand {trying to embrace her). 
Calm, dear, calm 

Soldier {pointing with his gun). 
Up with your claws ! 

Armand {mean). 
Shoot, you cur! Shoot! 



28 THE CONQUERED 

Batch {advancing). 
You will be a dead man in a short time ! Up with your 
hands ! 

Jannette. 
Armand! Calm! Mother, oh mother! 

{Third soldier crawls in from window. Madame Grevie? 
enters in night gown, carrying Roxane on her arm, David 
following.) 

Madame Grevier {weakly). 
What's all this? 

Jannette {meeting her, taking Roxane). 
Mother, they are taking them away! 

Batch {to soldiers). 
Put the bracelets on 'em! {Armand and Durand are hand- 
cuffed.) 

Jannette {going to Armand). 
A-rmand ! My hopes and dreams are going with you ! 

Madame Grevier. 
My sons ! My boys ! What have you done ? 

Durand. 
Do not excite yourself, mother. 

Armand. 
It's nothing! 

Batch. 
Search this house! 

{Soldier searches.) 

Roxane {burying her face on Jannette s breast). 
Don't hoo ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Search! You will find nothing. 

Batch {smiling scornfully). 
Nothing? This is a fine den for game! 

Jannette {kissing Armand). 
Goodbye, de-ar-est! 



ACT I. SCENE VI. 29 

Armand. 
Not goodbye — no ! So long, love ! 

Batch {pushing Jannette roughly). 
Enough of this ! Stay away ! 

Armand (with rage). 
You cur! Brother of Cain! (Tries to resist.) Damn 
you! 

Batch (laughing contemptuously). 
Ha, ha ! You are sorry to leave her ! 

(Soldier has found the package; comes to show it to Batch.) 

Here is something. 

Batch (glowing with pride.) 
The evidence, eh*? Take it along! 

Madame Grevier. 
Where did it come from 4 ? 

Jannette. 
Oh, cruel fate! 

Armand. 
Calm, Jannie ! Calm ! 

Batch (to soldiers). 
March 'em out of here ! 

Madame Grevier (trying to embrace Durand). 
My boy! What have you done*? 

Soldier (shoving her violently, causes her to fall). 
Get out of the way ! 

Durand (rebelliously, seeing the man's brutality). 
Cowards ! Beasts ! You will pay for this ! 

Soldier (striking with the butt of his gun). 
March ! Move ! 

Madame Grevier. 
My boys, do not resist. Go ! 

Jannette (at the same time). 
It's worse ! Go-od-bye ! Ar-ma-nd ! 

(Exit soldiers, taking Armand and Durand.) 



30 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette {squeezing Roxane to his breast). 
My love — Armand ! Goo-d-bye ! 

David {kneeling on floor by Madame Grevier, where she 

fell). 
Mother, ar-e you hurt? 

Madame Grevier {trying to get up, but failing). 
No! No — I have you yet. {Embraces him.) You stay 
here. 

{Jannette walks to where Madame Grevier and David 
are. David is sobbing softly; Jannette stands above them 
and recites.) 

The joy came for a short stay, 

Between sorrows and hard toils ; 
First taste, then 'tis taken away, 

Leaving us sad, among the spoils. 
Begging mercy of an enemy who preys 

On your home and devastated soil. 
Unable to claim or to defend, 
Compelled to kiss a tyrant's hand. 

Cruel fate ! Oh, desolated night ! 

Cold darkness, why my heart chill*? 
Wrecked love, oh! were delight; 

Broken heart, and living still ! 
A life devoid of warmth and light. 

Nef and humans ! Why my hopes kill ? 
What solitude to live in vain? 
Death is sweet, to relieve the pain. 

{Silence; only a few sobs are heard. The curtain falls 
slowly, showing the four in a tableau of misery and deso- 
lation.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT II. 

A spacious square room ; the walls are black of old age. 
Here and there are patches of fresh lime showing that re- 
pairs have been done lately. From left to right a steel re-in- 
forced door (outside entrance). On rear wall an arched 
portal, with steel enclosure elevated three steps from main 
floor, represents jail entrance. To the left of this portal is 
an arched window, also barred with steel. Through this win- 
dow, in the background, is seen the corner of a ruined house 
and a green tree. Further to the left, next to the corner, is 
a desk covered with black cloth. A bookcase on the right 
wall, next to desk. The desk is elevated about one foot on 
a square platform. Below the platform, on left wall, a 
door connecting to outer room. Furniture: Two extra 
chairs below platform and a sofa next to wall below the 
window. Above the desk hangs an oil lamp. Von Braken's 
chair is back of the desk, facing the audience. Above 
this chair, on rear wall, is the Kaiser's photograph adorned 
with three flags, the German above, the Turkish and Aus- 
trian one on each side. Below the photograph hangs a cru- 
cifix which stands inside of a V-shaped trophy consisting of 
a saw-edged sword and a Mauser rifle. A chair on left side 
of desk for the secretary. As the curtain rises, Von Braken 
is at desk with secretary. It appears to be daylight. 

SCENE I. 

Von Braken and Secretary. Von is smoking his pipe. 
Secretary writing some document. Silence. 

Secretary (as he hands Von a paper). 
Here are the charges of the two new subjects. 
Von (reads in silence, puffs at his pipe determinedly). 
Hu. Larceny charges. 

31 



32 THE CONQUERED 

Secretary. 
Yep. Of the most precious possessions. Food stuffs. 

Von. 
Food ! They ought to face the firing squad for this. 

Secretary. 
They are less lucky than their predecessors. 

Von. 
Why? 

Secretary. 
The new rules forbid to put any available man to death 
for such offenses. 

Von. 
They are luckier, then. 

Secretary. 
I may say as you please, but . . . 

Von {puzzled). 
What do you mean? 

Secretary. 
The unfortunates will wear a chain to their ankles for 
the rest of their lives in prison. Is that what your excellency 
calls luck? 

Von (putting the paper on desk). 
Not exactly ; but, life is more hopeful than death. 

Secretary 
Ya ! So long is life there is hope. Thought . . . 

Von (with temper) 
Venerable mule; you need not bother with the subject. 
Lucky or not, the offenders must take their medicine ! 

Secretary (apologetically) 
Your excellency, my arguing wasn't meant to contradict 
our good laws. 

Von. 
Forget it ! Turn your attention in other directions. 

(Secretary silently reaches for a newspaper on top of desk. 
Von relights his pipe, smokes silently for a while.) 



ACT II. SCENE I. 33 

Secretary {noticing something in the paper). 
Too bad — another of our great geniuses has been cap- 
tured. 

Von {inquisitively). 
What? Who is it? 

Secretary {reading aloud). 
Arrested in New York. Another blow to put back Ger- 
man civilization by the enemy. 

Von {interested). 
Who is it ; what have they done to him ? 

Secretary. 
Just listen {reading). Another faithful worker for the 
cause of Germany and its allies has been trapped. Nezie 
Storch recently was arrested in New York. This adds an- 
other martyr to the many others that sacrificed their pre- 
cious lives to the great cause and human ideals of our 
motherland. Mme. Storch has conducted her splendid work 
for four years for the advantage of Germany and her allies. 
Also those other martyrs who died in France and England, 
Mile. Mata Hari, Mile. Susy Depsy and Mile. Miroluub- 
skaya, the great Russian actress, and Bolo Pasha, the im- 
mortal Turkish genius. All those artists have given their 
lives heroically for their beloved country. 

{Pausing, expecting Von to speak; then:) 
Ain't it rather hard luck on our side, sir*? 

Von. 
Well, you can't expect everything to run smooth as 
greased rope on our victim's neck, do you? 

Secretary. 
I wonder how they succeeded in such difficult tasks? 

Von. 

It is easy with such a system as we have. All high class 
prostitutes, which attract the attention and earn the admira- 
tion of the highest societies by giving entertainments and 
performances of what is called a refined art. A graceful 
voluptuous motion of their bodies makes those high recom- 



34 THE CONQUERED 

mended boobs fall victims of their corruption. And, for 
the pleasure of their selfishness, sell their country's se- 
crets and their brothers' blood. The vampires collect 
them in England and Paris mostly ; then export this precious 
material to Berlin, where it is analyzed and perfected prop- 
erly for our success. 

Secretary. 
Still, it is a wonder how they do it. 

Von. 
Don't you remember, before the U. S. of A. got into the 
war, how they subdued ammunition manufacturers for the 
allies to load shells with sand? And after they declared 
war on us a half million shells to be sent to her Liberty boys 
in France were discovered to be a fake. 

Secretary. 
That was too bad that them Yanks didn't receive them so 
the Germans could slaughter them without losing a life. 

Von. 
It would have been a great thing to scare them to atoms ! 

Secretary. 
It's easier, too, to win if your enemies have nothing to 
defend their positions. 

Von {laughing). 
Ya ! Just mow 'em down in heaps ! 

Secretary. 
And make the Cherman soldier bullet proof; then wire 
the news to America, to cheer up the boys — dear ones. 

Von. 
Though we are meeting with difficulty, we shall win ! 

Secretary. 
I wonder if there are any more of our good workers in 
America? Seems they are taking 'em in pretty fast. 

Von. 
Oh, yes ... a Cherman is a good Cherman wherever 
he is. Pretty soon you see something starting up in Mexico 
to attract the Yanks attention. 



ACT II. SCENE I. 35 

Secretary. 
Wonderful ! 

Von. 
A Cherman is a good Cherman everywhere, I tell you. 

Secretary (with enthusiasm) 
Great ! We may win yet ! 

Von. 
We have preachers all over the world, which, with their 
religious fanaticism, extract valuable material for the hated 
Kaiser ! A few months ago, several were convicted in the 
United States for espionage. All pure Bible students ! 

Secretary. 
About our immortal Bolo*? 

Von. 

A very clever fellow for a hair dresser. He handled great 
sums of money to buy newspaper editors for the publication 
of German propaganda. Most of his work was done in 
Paris and London ; also, in the United States while they 
were still neutral. 

Secretary. 

I hear the society mistresses on the high stools of Paris 
and London all fell to pieces in love with him. He must 
have been an Adonis or Apollo. 

Von. 
The man was a semi-Asiatic beauty. Also an expert in 
handling the ladies ! His two legitimate wives were a great 
help for the introductions. 

Secretary (with a contemptible laugh). 
After the introductions they were at the mercy of Bolo! 
His good looks and manners dragged those social welfare 
sustainers on their knees, at the feet of the great God Adonis, 
bringing the most sacred secrets extracted from their worthy 
husbands. (Laughing aloud) Ha! ha! Women are funny 
things, ain't they*? 

Von (also laughing). 
Especially those high social idlers which hold their most 



36 THE CONQUERED 

important meetings at night and sleep with their lap dogs in 
the day-time ! 

Secretary. 
Germany ought to build a temple in honor of these virtu- 
ous gods and goddesses. 

Von (pleased). 
So the sex slaves and the sand-papered patriots could come 
and offer their homages in honor of Venus and Judas ! 

Secretary. 
And the maids of talcum powder boxes and beauty-shop 
customers may come and offer a prayer to Adonis and 
Apollo. The soothers of sweet impulse called love ! 

Von. 
We have others who deserve an inscrollable monument 
with garlands of everlasting flowers upon their tombs. 

Secretary. 
I thought Bolo was the king. 

Von. 
Oh, no ! Von Rentling, who is in the tombs prison in 
New York, was the credited manager of fifty or hundred 
millions. He bought the newspapers and the magazines for 
the German Kultur in America. 

Secretary. 
What a misfortune the Yanks turned against us ! 

( They fall in silence as a soldier enters, salutes and speaks 
to Von with servility.) 

SCENE II. 

Same : Von, Secretary, Soldier speaking. 

Soldier. 
Your highness, two ladies to see you, sir. 

Von. 

Of what brand *? 

Soldier. 
Belgians, of course. 



ACT II. SCENE II. 37 

Von. 

What they look like ? 

Soldier. 
An old one, two kids and a young female good for sore 
eyes. 

Von. 
Send 'em away. They must be beggars. 

Soldier {turning to obey). 
At your command, sir. 

Von (calling him back). 
Wait a minute (meditates for a spell). Well, bring 'em 
in : search 'em first ! 

{Soldier salutes, then exits.) 

Secretary. 
They ought not be admitted ! The beggars whine like 
starving pups ! 

Von. 
We give them satisfaction. 

Secretary. 
They are never satisfied ! 

Von. 
Well, we can't help that. 

Secretary. 
They annoy ! 

Von (convincing). 
Don't be a chackass ! Suppose the American-Belgian Re- 
lief Society sends another cargo of food. We take it and 
dispose of it as we please ; to obtain more, the sufferers must 
sign a letter of thanks for the American generosity, so their 
sympathetic spirit is necessary as well as the charity intended 
for them — which is more important to us. 

Secretary (putting up his hands). 
I surrender! ! 

Von (with contempt). 
You do, when you are beaten ! 



38 THE CONQUERED 

SCENE III. 

Same : Von, Secretary, Soldier ; Madame Grevier lead* 
ing David and Jannette, carrying Roxane in her arms, ad- 
vance timidly. 

Madame Grevier {crossing the room, bows to Von). 
Your highness is most kind to us. 

Von {inspecting the group). 
Madame, what can I do for you? 

Madame Grevier {taking courage). 
We are the only relatives of the two prisoners, Armand 
and Durand, your excellency. 

Von. 
Want their release, I suppose. 

Madame Grevier {bowing again). 
It's a comforting word, sir. 

Von {smiling impudently). 
Indeed ! 

Madame Grevier. 
They are the only support of our home. 

Von. 

I understand, but — 

Madame Grevier {in obligato). 
Mercy ! Sir ! 

Jannette {sobbing). 
Have pity ! Oh ! Arma-nd ! 

Secretary {putting his hands to his ears). 
What an unpleasant tune ! 

Von {with a severe look at secretary). 
Silence! {To Madame Grevier): Be calm, ladies; ex- 
citement wouldn't help the situation. 

Madame Grevier {imploring). 
Most kind sir, have pity on those poor children ! They 
haven't seen a cheery moment since their parents fell victims 
of this dreadful war. 



ACT II. SCENE III. 39 

Von {solemnly). 
Madame, you are denouncing our government which has 
been conducting your welfare ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Pardon, sir ; have mercy for God and human sake ! 

Von. 
It annoys and tires me terribly, this begging habit. 

Jannette. 
We are forced to beg ! 

Von. 
I ask you, please, do not be impertinent. 

Madame Grevier. 
Have you any sympathy for humans'? 

Von {severely). 
I sure have, but where is yours 1 ? 

Madame Grevier. 
Beg your pardon, sir, but — 

Von. 
Your sympathy*? 

Madame Grevier. 
We have none to sympathize with. 

Von. 
Can't you sympathize with me? 

(Secretary and Soldier laugh softly at Vons question.) 

Madame Grevier. 
Your position needs it not. 

Jannette. 
We are in need of sympathy and mercy. 

Von {looking at Jannette). 
What do I get then*? 

Madame Grevier. 
What do you expect? You may be thanked and God 
will bless you. 



40 THE CONQUERED 

Von {smiling at Jannette). 
Is that all? 

Jannette {trembling, gazing down). 
All we have ! 

Von. 
I see . . . You want things for nothing ; my sym- 
pathy is only worth empty thanks to you. 

Jannette. 
We are poor, have no money ; you may ask for our labors. 
That is all we can offer. 

Von {reaching a conclusion). 
Your labors are wanted here this evening. That is all I 
ask. Now, go! 

Madame Grevier. 
No! no!! . . . Sir! {To Jannette)". My dear child! 
You can't come here at night. No ! Y-o — 

Jannette. 
Keep cool mother! 

Madame Grevier. 
No ! You must not come ! 

Jannette. 
I do ! Yes ! 

Von {with a devilish smile). 
Good girl. 

Secretary. 
She's game, alright ! 

Madame Grevier {desperately). 
Oh ! Ungrateful destiny ! 

Jannette. 
Calm, Mo-the-r. {To Von): What proposition? 

Von. 
You will know it tonight. Come alone, and in a better 
mood. 

Madame Grevier. 
She will not come! I'll strangle her before your bloody 
hands touch her ! ! I will — I — . . . 



ACT II. SCENE IV. 41 

Von (cooly to soldier). 
Take away this residue of a human carcass ! 

Jannette. 
Your highness, pray, do not mistreat her. She is ray 
mo-th-er ! 

Von {severely). 
Go ! All of you, go ! before I lose my patience. 

Madame Grevier (zueakly). 
Can I see my boys'? 

Von (irritated). 
No! You hear me 1 ? No!! 

Jannette (gently). 
Come on, mother, we'll see them some other time. 

{Soldier opens door; Jannette, supporting Madame Gre- 
vier, who leads David by the hand, crosses the room slowly. 
At the exit, Jannette stops and recites in a low voice:) 

Prison of infamy and discomfort, 

Built by humans for human's displeasure ; 

Ungrate walls giving your support, 

To keep in seclusion my heart's treasure. 

(Jannette exits, followed by Madame Grevier and 
David.) 

SCENE IV. 

Same : Von, Secretary and Soldier ; Sergeant Batch 
later. 

Secretary. 
It's a great thing to command. 

Soldier. 
An interesting position. 

Von. 
Adventurous ! 

Secretary. 
Easy to make friends and enemies. 



42 THE CONQUERED 

Von. 

All are necessary in life. 

Soldier. 
Exclude the enemies for my part. 

Von. 
Enemies have the right to be as friends have. 

Soldier. 
They ought not to be ! 

Von {interested). 
Why not? 

(Soldier takes a chair and sits close to desk.) 

Secretary. 
Von will have you in a trap in no time. 

Soldier. 
Without enemies would make away with wars. 

Von. 

Yes, if all human beings were destroyed. 

Soldier. 
Men ought to get along without butchering each other; 
by establishing equality. 

Von. 
Why don't they start this equal establishment? 

Soldier. 
Egotism, want of power and privilege bars it. 

Von (proudly). 
To many diseases in the human race ! 

Soldier. 
They could be banished with proper education. 

Von. 
You must answer these questions : Why is law enemy to 
crime? Why is science enemy to disease? (rasing his voice:) 
Why God Himself, after He got tired slinging mud build- 
ing this earth, planted the prohibited fruit to tempt Eve 



ACT II. SCENE IV. 43 

and her mate, Adam? Not satisfied of all this, had the 
pleasure of creating the devil, His own enemy . . . 

Secretary {laughing). 
Some question to answer ! ! 

Soldier. 
Your majesty, better send that recipe to the Pope ; I 
haven't got no time to dissolve it. 

Von {joining in the merry ment). 
It's too radical, even for his sanctity, the Papus ! 

Secretary {after the laughter). 
What about the new conquest? 

Von {absently). 
Which one you mean ? 

Secretary. 
The young prairie chicken. 

Von. 
Ho . . . We put her in the hatchery ; she will bring 
a soldier for the Kaiser; he's losing so many nowadays. 
Secretary. 
It's quite a ways off till the Kaiser could use such new 
breeds, don't you think? 

Von. 

They will be useful in 1930 to work, in 1935 to fight. 

We have some three years old now; in 7 or 8 years more 

they will work in the fields. Five years hence they grab a 

gun and shoot their own brothers. 

Soldier. 

Who knows how things will turn about by that time? 

Von {twisting his mustache). 
I should worry. 

Secretary. 
You are content, sir. 

Von. 
Not as you think. 

Soldier {with a jealous grin). 
What more you could wish ? 



44 THE CONQUERED 

Von. 

To be governing the city of Paris or London. 

Secretary. 
What would you do? 

Von (lighting his pipe). 
Have fun. Ha ! ha ! 

Secretary. 
Great idea ! I am sure you would do wonders. 

Von. 

I would make them Ladyships and Lady-barges kneel at 
my feet so often until their knee caps wore out of normal 
position. 

Secretary. 

It would be monstrously cruel. 

Soldier. 
More than brutal. 

Von (with desire). 
Brutal ? Oh, no ! It would be pleasant. Just think ! to 
see them kneeling at your feet and scratching nervously 
the carpets with their freshly manicured fingers! (Yawn- 
ing:) Mercy! My L-o-r-d, M-e-r-c-y ! 

Secretary. 
Wouldn't it move you to tears ? 

Von (imitating woman s voice). 
Mercy'? Ca-t! . . . You always liked fish but hated 
like the dickens to get your feet wet ! M-er-cy ! ! 

SCENE V. 

Same: Von, Secretary, Soldier; Sergeant Batch enters 
with a newspaper; salutes reverently. 

Batch (bowing to Von). 
Your excellency, some glorious news this afternoon. 

Von (extending a greeting hand). 
Delighted to hear so, Sergeant. 



ACT II. SCENE V. 45 

Secretary. 
Let's hear it, will you? 

Batch {taking a chair, unfolds paper, reads aloud). 
Our subs sunk a passenger ship eighty miles from the 
Irish Coast. All what was in it went to the bottom of the 
ocean in search of pearls. 

Von {with enthusiasm). 
They will join the occupants of the Luisitania and start 
a colony in the deeps of the Atlantic. 

Secretary. 
I would like to hear John Bull and see how he takes this 
last subtitis attack. 

Batch {continuing). 
Our expeditions in Russia are meeting with success. 
Foodstuffs are drawn from the Ukraine regions despite the 
Soviet's protests. Premier Lenine menaces the Czech 
Slovaks. 

Von {praising German activities). 
That mud puddle of Russia, thick and confused as a frog 
pound, never settles until the Kultur gets the upper hand 
and imposes silence. 

Secretary. 
They need a leader. 

Soldier. 
And how are the Bolsheviki getting along ? 

Von. 
They are unworthy of attention. 

Batch {reading again). 
Holland, our Dutch sister, has agreed to sell us 50,000 
tons of food provided by the merciful U. S. of A. Infor- 
mation says that America, the land of providence, protests 
against such an act by Holland. 

Von. 
Nix . . . They may protest, but the pan-German- 
Americans will see that Holland must not perish of starva- 



46 THE CONQUERED 

tion! Also the Armenians in Turkey and Poland under 
our pressure. 

Batch. 
The Americans are good hearted people. I bet anything 
that if a plea is submitted they will make a collection to buy 
milk for the hated Kaiser ! Just tell 'em that the war lord 
is starving. 

{General laughter.) 

Secretary. 
Those Yanks' entree in the war is giving us a lot of 
trouble. 

Batch {optimistic). 
Every enterprise meets with opposition. {Reading again) : 
The Austrians are meeting with resistance from the olive- 
skinned little devils. Nevertheless, all attacks are repulsed. 
The Piave is inundated to the brim, carrying its prey of 
dead and wounded with war material into the Adriatic. 

Von {bitterly). 
Them pygmies always bite the double headed eagle on 
the twenty-fourth of June. It seems to be their distinct 
day. 

Batch. 
Soon as we get another inside tip from London and Paris 
that they have nothing to shoot with our troops will carry 
on to Rome and shake hands with the Pope. 

Secretary. 
Germany will get back at them somehow. 

Soldier. 
If them things had given us a chance and stayed out of 
this scrap we would have been in Paris and back long ago. 

Secretary. 

They wanted to get back the terra irredenta and help 

on the humanity slogan that the frog-eater and the mystic 

Londonese is blattering to the whole world. They wanted 

honor and interests. And I tell you, they won't get either ! 



ACT II. SCENE V. 45 

Secretary. 
Let's hear it, will you? 

Batch {taking a chair, unfolds paper, reads aloud). 
Our subs sunk a passenger ship eighty miles from the 
Irish Coast. All what was in it went to the bottom of the 
ocean in search of pearls. 

Von {with enthusiasm). 
They will join the occupants of the Luisitania and start 
a colony in the deeps of the Atlantic. 

Secretary. 
I would like to hear John Bull and see how he takes this 
last subtitis attack. 

Batch {continuing). 
Our expeditions in Russia are meeting with success. 
Foodstuffs are drawn from the Ukraine regions despite the 
Soviet's protests. Premier Lenine menaces the Czech 
Slovaks. 

Von {praising German activities). 
That mud puddle of Russia, thick and confused as a frog 
pound, never settles until the Kultur gets the upper hand 
and imposes silence. 

Secretary. 
They need a leader. 

Soldier. 
And how are the Bolsheviki getting along? 

Von. 
They are unworthy of attention. 

Batch {reading again). 
Holland, our Dutch sister, has agreed to sell us 50,000 
tons of food provided by the merciful U. S. of A. Infor- 
mation says that America, the land of providence, protests 
against such an act by Holland. 

Von. 

Nix . . . They may protest, but the pan-German- 
Americans will see that Holland must not perish of starva- 



48 THE CONQUERED 

SCENE VI. 
Same : Von and the Secretary for a while. 

Von (to Secretary). 
Light that lamp so the darkness can stay out. 

Secretary. 
So you can find yourself. 

Von. 
It is about time for the bird to be showing up. 

Secretary. 
Poor boy; your liver broken*? 

Von. 
No, my heart is ; not my liver. 

Secretary. 
I thought you left that heart of yours somewhere. 

Von. 
Where? 

Secretary. 
In the sauerkraut brine ! 

Von (rising to go). 
No, boy, it would be unwise to leave your heart any- 
where ; pack it along, but conceal its feelings. 

Secretary. 
Why should one conceal his heart's feelings? 

Von (walking to door on left). 
'Cause if you don't you betray your country. 

Secretary. 
That's right, we have to play all kinds of roles to win ! 

Von. 
Yes, my boy, cry when you ought to laugh ; say that you 
are in love when you hate. 

Secretary. 
But that would be akin to fallacy, depriving oneself of 
his own impulses, acting contrary to oneself! 



ACT II. SCENE VII. 49 

Von {exiting). 
Never mind yourself and your puritanic sense. Your 
country is first; then if there is any left of yourself take it 
up and remodel it according to circumstances and the 
actual fashion. 

Secretary. 
That's the straight way to be a good German. 

Von. 
Ya ! And remember, when you are talking to an alien 
always be an altruist and condemn the ruling class, espe- 
cially in foreign lands. As he turns his back, be sure to 
stab him ! That is our socialistic motto. 

(Von exits abruptly, Secretary calling.) 
Say ! What you want me to do if that captive deity gets 
here before you return? 

Von. 
Keep her till I come ! Tell her how I love her and so on. 

Secretary. 
Alright ! I shall make her feel at home. 

Von (nearly audible). 
Ya, ya ! 

SCENE VII. 

Same : Secretary and the house porter. The porter enters 
right after Von. He is a stout built person, squatted, with 
flat, fleshy nose, untidy looking and of stolid appearance. 
Enters from the same door that Von has just passed out. 
He has rag and feather duster, a bucket strapped from his 
shoulder crosswise to the right flank. Enters laughing at 
something that Von has said to him. He has only one arm, 
the other being cut off at the shoulder. 

Porter (as he enters). 
Ha, ha, ha ! (To Secretary.) Do you know what Von 
told me? 

Secretary. 
I do not, but I will before long. What he said? 



50 THE CONQUERED 

Porter. 
He told me that he's going to eat something good for 
supper. 

Secretary. 
Did he told w'at it was? 

Porter. 
He's not sure what or which, but he mentioned an Eng- 
lishman's ham or poilu's chops, or else a Belgian heart with 
blood sauce and a bottle of burgundy. 

Secretary. 
He must be crazy, or else you are lying. 

Porter {dusting the bookcase). 
He may be both for all I know ; but then, what's the dif- 
ference *? 

Secretary. 
Why, it's almost worse than cannibalism. No dogs eat 
other dogs' meat! 

Porter. 
We are different dogs than the English bull and the 
French lappers ! It's permissible for Dachshunds to eat 
bulls and lapper dogs ! 

Secretary {with heat). 
Say, you loony thing! How dare you compromise the 
good morals and good tastes of your people ? 

Porter. 
It's the confidence among ourselves. {He sits down.) 
Listen ! Before I was disabled on the Verdun siege, I ate 
the mushrooms that had grown on the sides of our trenches. 
They were irrigated and fertilized with the blood of our 
comrades! {With passion.) They sprung from the very 
wasted flesh! German flesh! They tasted like flesh, also; 
they were nourishing. And you have so many objections 
for a piece of English liver or a French tripe ! I bet any- 
thing, if it were turned into frankfurters you couldn't tell 
the difference. 



ACT II. SCENE VIII. 51 

Secretary. 
Beat it ! I won't hear such nonsense ! Go now ! 

Porter. 
One can't even say his experiences. Probably there are 
some who really ate human flesh. 

Secretary {with heat). 
You will have to answer to the high command for this 
libelous statement ! Now get out ! 

Porter {walking to the door). 
Don't holler your lungs away ; the only return you get is 
that you waste your breath. 

Secretary {picking up a book threateningly). 
Get out, you impudent mutt ! {Porter makes faces at him. 
Secretary throwing the book at him.) May the good merci- 
less laws of our land fall on your head ! 

{Porter dodges the book, makes a funny face and exits.) 

SCENE VIII. 

Same: Von enters smiling. Sits on chair. Secretary 
speaks to him for a while, then goes. Jannette and soldier 
later. 

Secretary {greeting Von). 

Have you enjoyed a good supper, sir"? 

Von. 
Very much, thank you. {Looking around). Didn't show 
up yet. Well, you leave me now. I will take care of things 
myself. 

Secretary {walking to door). 
Do not fall madly in love with her, sir. 

Von. 
Why shouldn't I ? 

Secretary {at the door). 
One is, that such things are out of your line. Second, if 
you do, you may commit suicide. In other words, it's to 
sacrifice your heart! 



52 THE CONQUERED 

Von. 
No danger! Goodnight! Be careful! Don't lose your 
walking partner. 

Secretary {tapping his wooden leg). 
Such relics are common and cheap nowadays! (Exits.) 
Goodnight ! 

(Von, alone, descends platform, walks across the room and 
back in silence; then soliloquizing.) Poor bird! She may 
fail me, but if she does she will be featherless. (Meditates.) 
Hu ! seems that I fear her. Ha, ha ! It's preposterous ! 
A German officer to fear ! Well, women are dangerous. 
They ought to be painted red. (Walks silently thinking.) 
Yep ! She cut his hair, then pulled out his search lights ! 
Delilah was her name, I think. That old Samson had all 
his powerful gifts upon the roof ! The safe deposit was 
empty. He kept his precious strength where the moss had 
grown. Delilah cut the moss and the biblical hero was 
helpless. Judita did the same to Olofernes, but she intoxi- 
cated him first, then chopped off head and all ! Well, no 
wine, neither scissors are allowed here tonight ! ( He pauses 
as soldier enters with Jannette.) 

(Soldier entering, followed by Jannette. Von in attendance.) 

Von (to Jannette). 
Here you are. Well, I was getting restless. 

Jannette (coolly). 
I keep my word as a law. 

Von (to soldier). 
Did you search her^ 

Soldier. 
Searched and found nothing. 

Von. 

You can go now. (Exit soldier.) 

Von (to Jannette). 
Well, here we are, safe and alone. (Goes to the door, 



ACT II. SCENE VII. 53 

turns key, comes back to her.) Now all is quiet. Nobody 
about. The proper time for love and joy. 

Jannette. 
Yes, your sword ready for its immolation. 

Von {inviting). 
Pray be seated. 

{Jannette gives him a mean look silently.) 

{Von smiles, saying:) Don't be an ingrate, now. [Points 
to sofa.) Sit down, please. 

{Jannette sits on sofa, silent.) 

Von {eloquently). 
You are beautiful. That simple dress is very becoming. 
A modern Brandora from the forest. A pure virgin of the 

brooks. 

Jannette {interrupting). 
You are a model fop, but of brutal origin. 

Von. 
Helpless before you. 

Jannette. 
Mendacious platitude! 

Von. 
Your sharp words pierce my heart. 

Jannette. 
You have nothing of the kind. 
Von. 
How can I prove it to you ? 

Jannette. 
By letting some truth slip off. 

VON. 

You misjudge me, lady. 

Jannette. 
A while ago you said you were helpless before me. You 



54 THE CONQUERED 

lie ! You have a sword and gun ! Isn't it a proof of your 
lie? 

Von. 
A good soldier always has a gun and a sword. 

Jannette. 
A good soldier does not fear a woman. 

Von {smiling). 
Safety first. Precaution is a habit. 

Jannette. 

Cowards have no confidence or trust. 

Von. 

If you think so, I will put them away. 

Jannette. 
Prove it ! 

Von {walking to desk). 
At your command, madame. {Puts gun in a drawer and 
leans sword on corner by the wall.) I am disarmed now. 
{Walks back to sofa.) How do I look now? 

Jannette. 

Detestable ! 

Von {sitting on sofa). 
What must I do to please you*? 

Jannette {fearless). 
I am here to close the bargain, not to be flattered by your 
imprudence. I know the price I've got to pay. Voluntarily, 
I sacrifice myself for the cause I am after. But do away 
with your deceiving flattery. Say that you buy me for the 
price of two lives dear to me, in your keeping. Say frankly 
that you are to offer me in holocaust on the altar of infamy 
at the close of the bargain ! Say that you accept me to sat- 
isfy your carnal lust, in exchange of the two lives mentioned. 

VON. 

Some straight talk, eh? {Tries to get close to her.) It's 
all as you said. 



ACT II. SCENE VIII. 55 

Jannette {moving away). 
Oh, no ! You must set them free first. 

Von (reddening). 
Be reasonable. Give me a kiss first. 

Jannette. 
You are lying again. (Gets up, ready to run.) 
Von (standing up). 

I am not. Listen, girl ! Honest ! I mean 

Jannette (moving away). 
You are insincere. You can't prove the truth. 
Von (taking a key from his pocket). 
Here is the key. Come on, your lips once. 

Jannette (brightening). 
Alright. Tell me how do we escape punishment ? 

Von (trying to embrace her). 
Will put it as a mistake. (Closing his empty arms as 
Jannette escapes by a swift bend.) And— say they were 
arrested innocently. 

Jannette (a step away). 
Ha, ha ! You are too slow ! 

Von (advancing). 
And you are too slick. 

Jannette 
(Goes back to the sofa and stretches there invitingly). 
Get a move on you (laughs pleasantly) if you want that 
kiss. 

(Von stands looking at her for a moment, then goes to 
desk, turns key, locking the drawer where he has put the 
gun. Puts key in his pocket, walks back to sofa.) 

Jannette. 
I see, you are still afraid. 

Von (reaching for her). 
No, but precaution is a habit. 



56 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette (ducks him, laughing). 
Oh, dear ! What fun ! 

Von (chasing her). 
The funniest part is to come ! 

Jannette 

(letting him come close, then running again). 
You can't catch me! (Goes up to platform.) Come on! 
You nearly got me that time. 

Von (getting close and eagerly). 
Your lips once, dear little one ! (He extends his arms to 
grab her, steps at the same time, putting his foot in vacant, 
falls heavily). This is getting too funny now! (Goes back 
to sofa, sits there wiping the perspiration from his face). 
Come here, lady ; it's no use playing any foolishness. I 
got you, and I am a German 

Jannette (with a merry laughter, coming back). 
Ho ! hoo ! Ho ! hoo ! I — I never thought that you were 
so funny ! Ho ! dear ! 

Von. 

It's no use for you to try any tricks. 

Jannette (near him). 
Are you tired ? 

Von (assuring). 
No, but I want that kiss ! I am Cherman and Cherman 
gets what he wants. Never tires or gives up before reaching 
his desired objective. 

Jannette. 
I think Germany will give up before reaching Paris ! 

Von (profiting of the moment to boast). 
Not on your life. The only place we haven't conquered 
yet is Paris, but we are going to get it ! We have London 
and New York, with other important cities in America and 
England. Paris is nearing her fall, too ! 

Jannette {sitting on one end of sofa.) 
Very interesting. Do tell me all about it. 



ACT II. SCENE VIII. 57 

Von (appearing serious). 

We have America and England begging mercy at Berlin 
already. The American people are cheering and kissing the 
German flag. They acclaim in ecstasy that the Kaiser estab- 
lish himself at Washington. I don't blame them, either. 
When one is beaten, got to give up. We have a million 
troops in the U. S. of A. And think — we sent them by air 
road with two Zeppelin airships. Half million on each! 
Can you beat it*? 

Jannette. 

You are a great story teller, but as for love-making, you 
are a failure. (She takes a powder puff from her handbag, 
powders her nose, saying:) I think I am not attractive 
enough to suit your taste. ( Turning coquettishly.) How do 
I look now*? 

Von. 

Splendid ! All sugared up like limburger cheese. 

Jannette (disapproving his eulogies). 
Limburger cheese has no sugar, you silly stupid ! 

Von. 
Oh! give me that kiss, sweetie tootie (huskily). Come 
on ! 

Jannette 
(getting another powder puff from her handbag and 
advancing languidly). 
Yes, you need it, too ; but let me dab your nose (flourish- 
ing the puff) ; it's red, like a rotten tomato. 

Von (refusing). 
I have no use for paints. I live close to nature. 

Jannette. 
Yes, you do ; but you can't expect me to kiss a redhot nose 
like the one you have. 

Von (giving up, but afraid). 
Alright! Do it gently. My skin is so delicate that I 
fear everything spoils it. 



58 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette {putting one arm around him). 

Just lean over a little, and I am sure that you will feel its 
aromatic virtues. (She puts her powder puff on his nostrils 
with force and holds it there.) You'll like it better after. I 
know it ! 

Von (struggling to free himself). 

Hey ! Don't choke me ! (Weakly.) What do you me-an*? 
(Falls limply as the chloroform takes effect.) You murder- 
ess ! 

Jannette (still pressing the dope). 

You got it now. How sweet ! Ho ! Pride of infamy 
and treachery ! You never dreamed that all your expecta- 
tions of'lusty gains would land you in the precipice, where 
you belong. (Assuring herself that he's under the chloro- 
form, raises her eyes heavenward.) Oh ! Lord, just and mer- 
ciful ! I thank you with all my heart and soul. You gave me 
strength and courage to overpower this nameless monster. 
Now and here, I pray thy bounty to guide me to save my 
beloved ones, victims of this despotic beast of modern times. 
I thank thee humbly and truly, King of Heaven ! Amen. 
(She searches his pockets, finds a key and a box of matches. 
To the lifeless body:) You are through with your 
treacherous deeds ! Bulk of corrupted flesh. I wish I had 
the Kaiser in your position. I would not hesitate eating his 
bloody heart, if he has one ! I would gladly die poisoned 
by it! (Goes to desk, opens drawer, straps gun on her waist 
and sword; searches other drawers, finds bunch of keys.) 
I see ! He was deceiving me all the same. Well, it didn't 
work as you thought that time. (Takes a piece of paper, 
walks to the window, lights it and signals to outside. A 
light appears in the distance in answer. She goes to jail 
door, tries keys, murmuring) . Armand ! My Armand ! I 
am here. (Trying another key.) Do you hear me*? Ar- 
mand! 



(Two shots outside and a vocie.) 
Get him there ! Charge ! 

Jannette (still trying). 
Armand ! My love ! 



ACT II. SCENE IX. 59 

(More voices and shots.) 
Kamerad! Help! (Other voices at the same time.) Die! 
Dog! Help! Kamerad! 

(A voice close to entrance.) 
Get him ! Don't let him get away ! 

Jannette (softly). 
Armand ! Hear me *? 

(Voice faintly inside of jail.) 
Jannie ! 

(Voices, outside on entrance.) 
Kamerad ! Kamerad ! ! (Jannette pauses, listens, ready 
with the gun.) 

SCENE IX. 

Same: Jannette at jail door. A German soldier and 
Maurice enter. Enters German soldier as Jannette opens 
door for him. 

Soldier (at entrance). 

Kamerad ! Open the door ! ! (Jannette opens door, steps 
back silently and ready.) 

Soldier (rushing in). 
Von! Prepare yourself! 

Jannette (from behind the door). 
Hands up! 

(Soldier shoots instead, but misses.) 

Jannette (shooting nearly at the same time). 
Down with you then! 

(Soldiers fall in heap.) 

Maurice (coming in, gun in hand). 
Jannie, are you hurt*? 

Jannette (eyeing the soldier who tries to shoot again). 
No — Ino-t! . . . (shooting meanwhile). 

(Soldier falls with a grunt.) 



60 THE CONQUERED 

Armand's voice, from the jail. 
Jannie ! Open ! 

Maurice {to Jannette). 
Give me the keys ! 

Jannette {sighing). 
I have been trying, but . . . 

{Voice outside.) 
One got away! {other voices) : We got one alive! 

Maurice {trying the jail door). 
Mordios ! 

{Voice inside jail.) 
We are chained Jannie ! ! 

{Maurice succeeds in opening the door. Goboreau enters, 
rifle in hand; Batch following Roquiere, after pointing a 
gun at him.) 

SCENE X. 

Same: Maurice and Jannette disappearing inside the 
jail; Goboreau, Batch and Roquiere entering on left from 
outside. 

Goboreau {as he enters). 

Where are you, Jannie? Are you hurt? 

Jannette {going into jail). 
I am safe, brother! Thanks. {Disappears.) 

Roquiere {entering). 
March ! you flat footed pup ! 

{Voice inside jail.) 
Jannie ! ! Armand ! ! . . . Dearest ! 

Maurice. 
Stand still ! if you want those ankle adornments off ! 

Armand. 
Alright, thanks! 

Goboreau {to Roquiere). 
Let's tie this Coyote! 



ACT II. SCENE XL 61 

Roquiere {to Batch). 
Keep up your claws ! 

{Voice inside.) 
None of us hurt ? Good ! 

Goboreau {with a belt ready > to Batch). 
Now, let's have your paws ! 

{Batch obeys silently. Goboreau proceeds to tie his hands 
in the back.) 

SCENE XI. 

Same : Goboreau tying Batch with Roquiere ; Jannette, 
Armand, Durand, Marie and Maurice coming out of jail. 

Armand {coming down the steps). 
And how is Grandma and the kiddies? 

Jannette. 
Well in health, but afflicted from despair. 

Roquiere. 
Tie him securely! {General salutations.) 

Durand {seeing Batch). 
This is delightful ; here is the thug ! 

Marie {with fury). 
The day has come to pay me ! 

Armand. 
We must haste, brothers and sisters. 

Marie {close to Batch). 
Pay me *? You brute assassin ! All your race of contemp- 
tible murderers couldn't pay me ! You robbed me of what 
is most precious to a being — my honor! 

Batch {interrupting). 
I will do what is right with you, Marie, if you spare me. 

Jannette. 
Spare him ! He must be dreaming ! ! 



62 THE CONQUERED 

GOBOREAU. 

Let's get busy ! — one of those thugs has escaped ! 

Roquiere. 
Yes, the three-legged one ! 

Durand. 
Let us take what's valuable and go! 

Marie (grief ly). 
Leave me here — I will tend to the rest. 

(Armand, Maurice, Goboreau and Jannette search the 
place, take all that is valuable; load themselves, ready to 

go-) 

Durand (to Marie). 
You come with us, too. 

Marie. 
I have nothing to go or live for. 

Maurice (grabbing the Kaiser's photograph). 
Here is the ribboned world's wrecker. 

Armand (returning to Marie and Durand). 
Bring it over here. 

Maurice 
(laying it on the floor with the flags, speaks to Batch). 
Say your prayers and kiss your God, mister; this is the 
last chance for you! 

Marie (to the group). 
Comrades, you must pronounce the sentence of this perfect 
beast — I will do the execution! 

Jannette. 
Right ! What will we do with him ? Speak up, you men ! 

Armand. 
Take him along . . . We have no time to lose with 
him. 

(Several in unison.) 



It 



goes so 



1 1 



ACT II. SCENE XI. 63 

RoguiERE. 
He is stout. We will use him as pack mule. 

Jannette {pointing to Vons still form). 
And about the governor *? 

Armand. 
I wish he was awake . . . but to do anything to one 
while he is helpless . . . Oh ! God ! I won't ! 

Durand. 
We will leave him to the chloroform. 

Marie 
(taking the Kaiser s photograph, tears it to pieces, then 

tramps on it). 
At your request, I have been vilely dishonored and out- 
raged, as many other thousands of women and children ! 
You — with your subjects — "trained purposely for the 
execrable performances, are endeavoring insanely to put 
the world under your feet. But the world will tramp over 
your body as I tramp over your image. Symbol of hate ! 

Armand. 
That is enough for now ! Let's go ! 

All. 
To the mountains ! As outlaws ! Fight and die, but 
never surrender ! 

Roouiere (to Batch, pointing a gun). 
Alright, sport, sterj ahead! March!! « 

(All start to exit, forming a tableau of departure, as the 
curtain falls.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

Outlaws in the Hills 

A space of cleared ground protected from left to right by 
huge rocks. On the rear is an opening outlining the horizon 
in the distance, contrasting with high peaks, strewn with 
trees here and there. Right across the stage is an embank- 
ment ; also at rear, on the right, by a rock, a fireplace, a few 
cooking utensils on top of the rock; dishes and spoons of 
wood. Three huts covered with brush, one on the right and 
two on the left. By the embankment, chained to a small 
tree, is Sergeant Batch. Not far from him, on the embank- 
ment, is a Belgian flag. As the curtain rises, sitting by the 
fire is Jannette, Madame Grevier, Marie and Goboreau. 
David and Roxane are in the rear playing near the flag. 
Time, late evening ; the camp is lighted from the fire by the 
rock. 

SCENE I. 

The shadows have fallen. The fire is lighted by the rock. 
By it sits Madame Grevier, Jannette, Marie and Goboreau. 
At the embankment, by the little flag, is David and Roxane. 
Jannette is sewing a little dress from a flour sack by the 
firelight. Goboreau is making a wooden doll for Roxane. 

Goboreau {to Jannette). 
Madame modiste, will you cut a suit for this wooden 
baby? 

Jannette. 
The mother of that baby needs one very badly. 

Marie. 
Hand me a piece of that American silk; I will make the 
new-bom's dress. 

64 



ACT III. SCENE I 



65 



Jannette {handing a piece of flour sack). 
There's your silk— be careful, don't spoil the monogram! 

Marie. 
I suppose you want to decorate your lover's front porch 
with it, eh? 

Goboreau {boring a hole in the doll's head). 
That emblem is very popular nowadays. 

Madame Grevier. 
Indeed! It is playing a most important part in this 

struggle ! 

Goboreau. 

We ought to attach a piece to our flag. 

Marie {serious). 
Belgium owes America a whole lot ! 

Jannette. 
Not only Belgium, but all disgraced Europe. 

Goboreau. 
Truly, we ought to be thankful to the Americans. 

Madame Grevier. 
America is just and generous. They are not only feeding 
Europe, but also helping her to establish democracy and 
peace. The American's program is and has been Justice and 
Liberty for the people. 

Marie {with enthusiasm). 
And such fighters— they say ! 

Goboreau. 
Fighting for the rights of humanity. 

Jannette. 
They are the finest and the noblest of the whole pack ! 

Goboreau. 
True blue, honest and witty. 

Jannette. 
Good looking, too! 



66 THE CONQUERED 

Marie {pointing to Batch in rear, sad and silent). 
Be careful what you say ! 

Jannette. 
Why *? What do you mean '? 

Marie 
My self-imposed fiancee may get jealous. 

Madame Grevier. 
My good children, why torture him? Ain't he suffering 
enough ? 

Roxane 
{leaves David and comes to the group, sitting by 
Jannette; calls her brother). 
David ! Come here ! 

David (from rear). 
Alright! {Salutes the flag; coming back, stops, asking 
Batch): Hey, Kaiser! Salute my flag! (Batch obeys.) 
Good for you. (The group watches David intently and nod 
as Batch obeys.) 

Goboreau (to David as he comes). 
W 7 ell, young vindicator, did the offender of Belgium 
obey orders'? 

David (sitting down). 
Certainly he did ! 

Madame Grevier. 
What would you do if he had disobeyed ? 

David. 
Oh, well, I would order a few links of his chain shortened. 

Marie. 
The spirit of hate reigns even in the unborn. 

Madame Grevier. 
It is the brutal instinct in humans ! 

Goboreau. 
When one commits hateful deeds it is natural to be hated. 

Madame Grevier. 
I believe when one has suffered and repents he should be 



ACT III. SCENE I. 67 

given a chance to show his or her good faculties. It would 
be a relief to justice instead of a miserable tortured burden. 

Jannette {gravely). 
Mother, you are good and just, but how can we depend 
on such insidious people. 

Goboreau. 
Just consider the present state of affairs in Russia ! Look 
at the bloody chapters in the history of non-combatant vic- 
tims. (Emphatically :) Gaze at the streets of our de- 
vastated cities still humid with blood ! See the Prussian 
boot stepping over agonized bodies of children and wo- 
men ! Then try to trust or depend on the instigators of such 
crimes ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Spare me son ! 

Jannette. 
Such memories ; it hurts to think of them ! 

Marie. 
Horror! And I — I (buries her face, shaking by op- 
pressing sobs) — well, I couldn't help! (Bitterly :) But he 
must pay me ! (All nod at Marie's grief.) 

Jannette (soothingly). 
Marie, dear, what was that you didn't say"? 

Marie. 
I simply couldn't help — 

Goboreau. 
To listen to such platitudes means madness. 

Jannette. 
Keep away from him ! Can't you *? 

Marie (sobs brokenly). 
Yes, yes. 

Goboreau. 
Poor Eve ! First outraged and then tempted by the ser- 
pent ! 



68 THE CONQUERED 

Madame Grevier. 
My child ! Oh ! Dear, dear ! ! Calm. 

Marie. 
He has to pay his debt — soon as Armand and Durand 
come ! 

Jannette. 
You mean that Armand has to kill him^ 

Marie. 
No! I will do that myself! At least I get that satis- 
faction. 

Madame Grevier. 
He is a man and a soldier ! 

Marie. 
I don't care ! I despise death ! 

Goboreau. 
Marie, let me do it. 

Marie {resolutely). 
Nothing of the sort ! It is my part and duty ! 

Jannette. 
It shall be as you wish. (To Roxane:) Come on — try 
this new dress on. 

Roxane. 
My new dress ? Oh, dear ! Thank you, sis ! 

Jannette {after putting it on). 
Now show it to everybody. 

{Roxane turns, showing the dress to everyone. In front 
is the brand, Globe AI Flour, U. S. of A.) 

Goboreau. 
Ho, what a beautiful dress ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Come on, show it to me, darling. 

{Roxane kisses her sister, then the rest, until she comes to 
David, who refuses to be kissed.) 



ACT III. SCENE I. 69 

ROXANE. 

Like my new dress, Davie? 

David. 
Sure! Why? 

ROXANE. 

Kiss me then ! 

David {bashfully). 
Aw, what's the use? 

Madame Grevier. 
Go on — kiss your sister. 

Marie. 
David — nice boy — don't be slily. 

Jannette {to Roxane). 
Grab him, Roxie, grab him! 

{David takes courage, kisses his sister and then walks back 
to the embankment.) 

Roxane {to David). 
Can I go with you? 

David. 
Alright, come on ! 

Jannette and Marie. 
Hurry up, go! 

{General attention to the children as they go to the em- 
bankment, murmuring something and nodding.) 

David {approaching Batch). 
Hello! {Salutes the flag; Batch does it also. Roxane 
doesn't give David any attention.) Hey, young lady, salute ! 

Roxane {playfully). 
I got my new dress now. He, he ! 

David {mean). 
New or old dress makes no difference! Come on, salute 
our flag! 

{The group, amused, laughs.) 



70 THE CONQUERED 

Madame Grevier. 
Salute the flag, dear ; go on ! 

David {still at attention). 
Come on, now; I can't stand this all day. 

Goboreau {laughing). 
She's a rebel ! By gingles ! 

Jannette. 
Salute the flag now, or — be spanked ! 

Roxane {salutes and then turning to Batch). 
Like my new dress? 

Batch. 
Yes — more than mankind likes me. 

Roxane. 
Thank you. 

Batch {miserably). 
Little angel, your innocent eyes can't see the blackness 
which surround me! (Insanely:) There! that blood again! 
Go away little girl! (Covers his face.) Go away! 

(Roxane comes back to the group frightened.) 

David (to Batch, who does not answer). 
What's the matter now? 

Madame Grevier. 
The man is getting insane. Poor wretch. 

Jannette (embracing Roxane). 
Do not fear, darling; what did he say? 

Roxane. 

He says go away ! The blood . . . 

Marie (looking at Batch). 
The strain of his crimes has affected his mind ! 

Goboreau. 
He is playing; just acting, you know. 

Madame Grevier (with compassion). 
Your hearts are too callous to accept sympathy. 



ACT III. SCENE II. 7l 

Jannette. 
Mother, dear, look at our past and present. 

Madame Grevier. 
I can't bear to see him tortured like this. Take him away, 
be done with it. 

(A voice from the rear, like coming from afar.) 
Hoo ! hoo ! hoo ! 

(The group listens in silence; guard from rear:) 
Who goes there*? 

(Goboreau grabs a gun; Jannette and Mane; all three 
take defensive positions on the embankment; Madame Gre- 
t£ runTlnto the hut, taking Roxane, calling David, who 
goes with the three.) 

Madame Grevier. 
Come here, David! 

David (heeedlessly). 

Shu-sss! Sh! 

Madame Grevier. 

Come here, sonny dear ! 

Guard. 
Who goes there*? 

{Answer, more audible.) 
Belgium ! 

( Goboreau, Jannette and Mane sigh, relieved, an* I await 
anxiously. Damd runs over the embankment and d,s- 
appears.) 

SCENE II. 
Same: Goboreau, Jannette, Marie Madame Grevier 
Roxane, waiting; Armand, Durand, Roquiere «jdD.vJ 
coming over the embankment; Armand has a fishing pole 
wkh L fish strung on a willow. Durand has two bmU. 
Roquiere has a full haversack. All three are armed with 
swords and guns. Roquiere wears a German helmet. 



72 THE CONQUERED 

Armand (to Jannette, as he descends). 
Hello, sweetie ! (To all:) Hello, folks ! 

Jannette (with open arms). 
Armand ! Oh ! How happy I am ! (greeting the other 
two:) Brother Durand, Roquiere, all safe — thank God! 

Durand. 
Joan of Arc ! Delighted to see you all ! 

Roquiere. 
Charmed and happy to find you all well. (Noticing the 
weapons:) Our modern Amazons, I see . . . prepared- 
ness, eh*? (To David:) Where is your gun, young man? 

Goboreau. 
Welcome home, gentle brothers! 

Armand (embracing Jannette). 
My Joan of Arc ! 

Durand. 
Dear sisters of a gentle and courageous heart ! The pride 
of Belgium ! 

Jannette (happily). 
Your praise exaggerates our merits. 

Marie (as they all walk toward the fire). 
Brother Durand has a balming vocabulary! 

Madame Grevier (meeting Armand). 
My boy! (To Roquiere and Durand:) All of you are 
dears! (Embraces Armand.) 

(Durand and Roquiere free themselves of their haversacks 
and weapons.) 

Durand. 
Folks, I am starving! (then going impetuously to Mme. 
Grevier and Armand, still embraced) : You are too selfish, 
brother. (Embraces Madame Grevier.) Old sweetheart! 
Forgive me, I am getting beastly jealous! 

Madame Grevier. 
You rough dear boy ! 



ACT III. SCENE II. 73 

Jannette {aside to Marie, meaning Durand). 
Ain't he handsome*? 

Durand 
(leaving Madame Grevier, assumes an oratory position). 
Ladies and gents ... I wish to remind you that . . . 
(a long pause.) 

Armand (interrupting) 
You had better finish it if you expect any applause. We 
won't standing here all night looking at your dumb figure. 
I am starving ! 

Durand. 
You said it! But I wanted to apply a more pleasant 
sound to the word starvation. 

Goboreau. 
When you are hungry you have to eat ; there is no pleas- 
ure or harmony in an empty stomach! 

Durand (laughing). 
Two against one won't go! 

Armand. 
Let's eat first — then you can go on construing that new 
word or sound of yours and have it for breakfast. 

(All sit around fire. Marie and Jannette distribute the 
wooden dishes and spoons.) 

Jannette (handing a spoon to Armand). 
Our silverware is getting brown ! 

Marie. 
The exposure to the sun does it ! 

Durand (noticing Roxane). 
Well, well ! How is our young lady ? 

Roxane. 

I got a new dress. 

Durand. 
I see . . . You are wearing the popular emblem of 
America. 



74 THE CONQUERED 

Armand (holding his plate to Jannette). 
Divide it equal and give me the biggest part. 

Jannette [pouring something}. 
You had the biggest part already. 

(Food is served and all settle down to eat; a moment' 's 
silence.) 

Madame Grevier 
(breaking the silence, looking in Batch's direction). 
It's awful ! 

Armand (with mouth full). 
Can't be better for the present. 

Madame Grevier (sadly). 
Can it be ? Just look at him ! 

Armand. 
He has earned it. You know . . . 

Madame Grevier. 
It is beastly cruel ! I can't bear . . . 

Armand. 
Just think of our time in prison ! Worked, abused and 
starved ! 

Roouiere. 
He's treated like a prince. 

Madame Grevier (firmly). 
I despise such treatment! Even against my capital 
enemy. 

Armand. 
It is a crime to be too human ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Armand, what do you mean*? 

Armand (deliberately). 
A person concentrating his or her mind on one thing is 
apt to go off the track and wreck the train on its way to a 
better future. 

Madame Grevier (pained). 
How can it be? 



ACT III. SCENE II. 75 

Armand {pointing to Batch). 
If you keep on thinking that that dog there should receive 
better treatment, you will soon be asking for his freedom ! 

And then ! ! 

(All nod approvingly.) 

Madame Grevier. 
I can't think of that, but — I — 

Marie {interrupting). 
I want to enter a plea. 

Durand. 
A plea? 

R(X)UIERE. 

For who? 

Armand {aroused). 
Have you forgotten your past? 

Marie. 

I remember it all. That's why . . . 

(Jannette and Goboreau attempt to speak at the same 
time. Armand imposes silence, raising up with command- 
ing attitude, saying:) 

I am going to do what is to be done with him ! If you 
folks persist with that soft stuff and nonsense this camp may 
no longer be a free men's camp! 

Marie. 

But brother, dear . . . 

Armand {savagely). 

I won't listen ! 

Jannette (pleading). 

Listen ! Please ! 

Armand (walking a step and back). 
No ! You are all absurd, baseless and brainless ! 

Marie. 
I must tell you . . . Please listen . . . 



76 THE CONQUERED 

DURAND. 

Be reasonable — let's hear. 

RoguiERE. 
Aw, Armand, get off that despotic stool ! 

Jannette. 
Dear, dear ! How obstinate you are ! 

Armand {relenting). 
I must listen if I can't make you hear ! ( To Marie) : 
Shoot ! 

Marie. 
My intentions are to play fair with him. 

Armand. 
He's not entitled to a fair play! 

Marie. 
I know it, but to give him an example. 

Armand. 
An example*? 

Marie. 
To show that we are not low down scoundrels. 

DURAND. 

And it is . . . what? 

Marie. 
To take the sword and defend his impudence. 

Armand. 
It's too great an honor for him. And besides — 

Marie. 
I am entitled to satisfaction. 

(All go ahead with their meal. Armand sits down.) 

Madame Grevier (to Marie). 
You are going too far, I think. 

Armand. 
It is a noble act, but — 



ACT III. SCENE III. 



77 



DURAND. 

Marie, you mean a duel, I understand. 
Marie. 

Indeed I do! 

Armand {placated). 

I cannot let you do it ! 

Marie. 

I won't permit others! 

Roquiere. 
Marie, he is a man and a soldier and— 

Marie {filling up a plate). 
I don't care if it is fish ! I go as far as to take his supper 
and tell him to recommend his soul to heaven or hell . 
Whichever he prefers to. {She takes food to Batch.) 

DURAND. 

We must prevent it! 

SCENE III. 
Same: Marie and Batch in rear for a while. The rest 
as in Scene II, listening in silence. Armand breaks the 

spell. 

Armand. 
Brothers, we certainly cannot afford to risk her ! 

GOBOREAU. 

It is impossible ! 

Jannette. 

It is her vow. 

Marie {in rear to Batch.) 
Take some protection inside of you! 

(Madame Grevier tries to speak; Armand and Durand 
silence her with a motion of the hand; all listen m sus- 
pense.) 

Batch {miserably). 

It is no use! 



78 THE CONQUERED 

Marie. 
Stuff it inside of you ! 

Armand (puzzled). 
He refuses to fight. 

Roquiere. 
The wolf never forgets his tricks. 

Batch. 
Marie, I don't care what you do, but I refuse your chal- 
lenge. The night can never be any blacker than it is now. 

Marie (returning to the group). 
It won't help you a bit ; the sword decides. 

Batch. 
I am doomed — I accept any proposition but a duel with 
you. 

Marie (turning to face him). 
You are only a typical Dutch hound ! Nothing on earth 
can prevent me from vindication. (Approaching the group) : 
The wretch refuses to stand up ! 

Armand (rising, taking her hand gently). 
He knows why; nevertheless, I beg you to resign. 

Marie. 
Hush ! You must not wrong me so bad as that. 

Armand. 
I know your pride . . . Belgian pride and valour in- 
spires you with that noble spirit of honorable vindication to 
clear the insult and offense suffered with the blood of the 
vile that perpetrated such villainy. 

Marie (to all). 
I can only thank you for your kindness toward me, 
brothers, but this is mv special desire and it must be ful- 
filled. 

Armand (giving in). 
Be it as you say. ( To the group) : We are all proud of 
such a sister, aren't we 1 ? 

The group cheers. 
Hurrah for our heroine ! ! Victory and fame in the end ! ! 



ACT III. SCENE IV. 79 

Madame Grevier. 
Marie, dear, your stubbornness is absurd ! 

Marie. 

Mother, dear, if you feel like being generous to him, 

please go over there and amuse him, for in a while he will 

be a corpse unable to thank you. (To the men): Decide 

now ! I want this burden off my mind as soon as possible. 

Armand. 
Maurice ought to be here to hear the verdict. 

Goboreau (rising'). 
I will call him — it is time to turn in, anyway. 

(Goboreau exits toward the embankment.) 



SCENE IV. 

Same : Marie, Madame Grevier, Jannette, Durand, 
Roquiere, David and Roxane. 

Madame Grevier (to the group). 
You folks mean to stage this horrible thing right now? 

Marie (pleasantly). 
Mother, you better go and coo him before it's too late. 

Madame Grevier. 
Good God ! Murdering nowadays is as common as a 
mirror in a woman's boudoir. 

Armand (aside to Durand). 
I fear we are risking too much. 

Durand (shrugging his shoulders). 
She persists so. 

Marie (to Madame Grevier). 
Mother, as you are the high priestess of this settlement, 
give the benediction to the sword that pierces his heart. 

Roquiere (to Durand arid Armand). 
I believe she will win ! 



80 THE CONQUERED 

Marie {to Jannette). 
Come on, sis, let's select the lancet for the operation. 
{As they walk together) : Jannie, dear, you will tell me 
which is the lucky one? 

Jannette {sighing helplessly). 
Oh ! Dear, dear ! I wish I knew which one, but — 

Marie {picking up a sword). 
Never mind, I know which! 

DURAND. 

The more I look at her the more confident I feel. 

Madame Grevier 
{raising and taking Roxane by hand, walks to the hut on 
the right). 
Goodnight folks! Before you stage this horrible play I 
am going to bed! 

Armand {to Madame Grevier, gently). 
Goodnight, mother. 

Durand and Roquiere {in unision). 
Goodnight! . . . Pleasant dreams! 

Madame Grevier {calling David). 
Come on, honey, let us go to bed. 

David {grabbing Armand' s hand). 
No, it is too early yet. 

Armand. 
Do you want to stay *? 

David. 
Yes, sir. 

Madame Grevier {at the hut door). 
Come on, dear ; you have to say your prayers yet. 

David {hanging to Armand' s hand). 
I have plenty of time to say them. 

Marie {stepping to the entrance). 
Ain't you staying to see the show, mother? 



ACT III. SCENE V. 81 

Madame Grevier. 
Thanks for the invitation; the show is disgusting! 

Marie {walking away). 
Goodnight ! Don't forget to recommend his lurid soul ! 

{Madame Grevier disappears into the hut,) 

SCENE V. 

Same: Less Madame Grevier. Later, Goboreau and 
Maurice. 

Marie {to the men). 
The instruments are selected! 

Durand {huskily). 
You are too insistent, Marie. 

Marie {proudly). 
I am not pretending to inherit somebody's estate! 
Neither a title that does not belong to me. 

Armand {praising). 
You are the noblest of sisters. I can see that you are 
a victor already. 

Marie. 
That's better ! Thank you ! 

{Goboreau and Maurice enter from rear.) 

Jannette. 
Here they are to witness your valour, Miss Duelist! 

Marie. 
It is a grand thing to have them, too ! 

Maurice {saluting). 
Gentle brothers and sisters, at your command always — 
at any time and place. 

Goboreau. 
To serve Belgium and her subjects! ( 



82 THE CONQUERED 

Armand, Durand and Roouiere. 
To fight and win for the same cause ! 

Marie. 
And protect honor! Vindicate insult! 

Jannftte. 
For liberty and freedom ! Forever ! 

{A pause; handshaking in general by Maurice.) 

Maurice {shaking Durand' s hand). 
How did you succeed in your tour today? 

Durand. 
We couldn't cross the lines this morning, but pretty soon 
we shall. 

Maurice {greeting the ladies). 
And how are our dear sisters? 

Jannette {pointing to Marie). 
All well, thank you. Marie here is in high spirits — wants 
to demonstrate the valour and pride of the Belgian daugh- 
ters. 

Maurice. 
Indeed! I am so proud of such sisters. All Belgium 
shall be at its redemption ! History itself will record in 
crimson print how they fought and perished bravely for the 
human cause and self preservation. 

Armand. 
We shall proceed as we began. Fight, live and die to- 
gether for the redemption of our homes ! To avenge our 
comrades, our fathers and mothers who fell victims under 
the execrable sword of Prussianism ! 

The Group. 
Fight and die for freedom ! ! 

{David runs to the embankment, brings the little flag to 
the group.) 



ACT III. SCENE V. 83 

Attention! For my flag and your flag! The Belgian 
flag! 

( General salute to the flag. Then Armand, picking up 
David, caresses him.) 

Armand. 
Little brother patriot ! You are the reviving spirit of 
this camp of exiles. 

David. 
I am no better than the rest. We are all equal in this 
primitive town of ours. 

Armand {letting David down). 
Right ! We are all equal ! 

Marie. 
Hero or no hero we are all the same ! 

Goboreau. 
All heroes here ! {Silence for a spell.) 

Marie (breaking the silence). 
You all know the subject of this reunion. 

Maurice. 
We know, but . . . 

Marie ( anticipating) . 
It is all decided, so don't bother with compliments, please. 

(The group nods in confirmation.) 

Armand (touching his automatic). 
If necessary — 

Marie (comprehensively). 
You shall not be branded as a cut-throat ! 

Durand. 
None shall be ! 

Armand (furious). 
Cut-throat or not, anyone here is more important than a 
Boche ! 



84 THE CONQUERED 

Marie. 
Armand, you are wrong again! 

Armand. 
I admit so in your convictions. 

Roquiere. 
We must decide what to do. 

Armand {impetuously). 
Hang him! 

Marie. 
No ! We are all equal ! 

Durand. 
We are, but he's not! 

Marie {pleading). 
But I am, so I ask fair play for myself ! 

( The group nods in confirmation.) 

Armand. 
Who's in favor say Aye ! {Aye.) All except Durand. 

Armand. 
All set? Clear the place — I will bring the defendant. 

{Goes to embankment, unties Batch; the other men begin 
to clear a space in center of stage.) 

Jannette {picking up the swords to Marie). 
Which one is yours, sis? 

Marie {cooly). 
Oh! I take any one — it matters not which. 

Durand {aside to the other three). 
We must watch him close boys .... 

Maurice. 
He's of the tricky type. 



ACT III. SCENE VI. 85 

SCENE VI. 

Same: Armand coming from rear with Batch; Marie 
and Jannette also advancing to the center; Jannette holds 
the two swords ; David has the little flag. 

Marie 
{standing in center of assigned space for the duel, recites) : 

This is a piece of promised land ! 

Particularly adapted to decide 

A decision, of honor to defend; 

Nations' respect, and self pride ! 

Here the Hun will have to stand, 

For the right rules to abide 

Without a help to his side. 

Only a sword, to battle hand to hand; 

Our motto is hght, die ! not surrender ! 

To enemies for chattel slaves 

In treachery's place, prefer the grave. 

Durand {applauding). 
Hurrah for our brave heroine ! 

David {waving the flag). 
Hurrah ! for our flag and our king ! 

{General attention, salute the flag. Armand enters with 
Batch.) 

SCENE VII. 
Same : Armand speaking to Batch ; the duel little later. 

Armand {to Batch). 
You are fortunate to get an honorable chance. 

Batch. 
I am tired; I can't fight her. 

Armand. 
The time has come ; no laments can save you ! 

Batch {brokenly). 
I was forced to do what I done. 



86 THE CONQUERED 

Armand. 
The usual excuses to expiate your crimes ! 

Batch. 
I was forced ; one has to obey orders. 

Armand. 
It is your nature to outrage brutally and vilely poor 
helpless people ! Even if you had orders and your con- 
science had not been rotten with self contempt and gluttony 
for crime, you would have revoked such orders. You — all 
your race from the Kaiser to the street sweeper — are wantons 
and rampant in other people's houses, regardless of any law, 
moral or spiritual, natural or artificial ! 

Batch. 
One has to obey orders — right or wrong. 

Armand. 
Your absolutism dictates so ! 

Batch. 
Why, they even tried to stop this war but they failed. 

Armand. 
We know it was a pretext to blind the international, so 
in case of need you may use it to obtain sympathy. 
Batch (miserably). 
When one falls everybody has a chance to down him. 

Armand (fiercely). 
Is it not true that you all gloated over your agonizing 
victims? (Pointing to Marie.) There is one that has 
awaited this opportune moment to avenge the vile abuse 
that you exercised over the many ! 

Batch. 
I was wrong ... I can't fight Marie . . . 

Marie (stepping close to him). 
Why shouldn't you? (Slaps him in the face.) Black 
angel ! 

(The group stands amazed. Armand takes the swords 
from Jannette, offers Batch one; he hesitates; Marie takes 
her sword.) 



ACT III. SCENE VII. 87 

Armand (to Batch). 
Stand up and defend your skin ! Give us an exhibition 
of your skill ! 

(Batch takes the sword.) 

Marie (to onlookers). 
Make room please. 

(A circle is formed; the contestants take defensive posi- 
tions; the duel starts.) 

Marie (recites, fighting). 

Wanton beast of lusty desires, 

Ungrate heart to infinite extent, 
Your black soul to eternal fires 

Free of charge is going to be sent 
To the Devil who awaits, acquires 

Your company, nameless serpent. 

Your lurid blood shall be 

To memorize the symbol of hate. 

Outraged Belgium, with me, 

Demands vindication, at any rate. 

Every Boche to Hell, we agree, 
To live with Satan as your mate. 

( The duel goes on for a moment, then Marie :) 

And now I tickle your heart — 
The time is up — you must depart ! 

{Lounges as she thrusts; Batch falls, dropping his sword; 
Marie stands unmoved for a moment, then sighs.) 

Armand (embracing her fervently). 
Congratulations, Sis ! 

Durand. 
A skillful thrust! (All applauding.) Hurrah for the 
heroine ! 

Roouiere. 
No swordsman could have done it better ! 



88 THE CONQUERED 

Marie 

{escaping from Armand and going to Jannette s arms). 
Spare me brothers ! 

Batch {agonizing). 
I — I was w-r-o-ng, Marie ! ! {extending his trembling 
hand.) You are vin-dic-c-t-ed ! Goo-dbye ! ! 

Marie 
{taking the proffered hand, drops it as he says last). 
Goo-bye ! 

{Batch struggles for a moment and then expires. Marie 
and Jannette walk to the hut in silence.) 

Armand {to the others). 
We must bury his remains like a human being at least. 

Durand. 
Let's take 'em out of the way ; we will render him the un- 
merited honors tomorrow. 

{The four men start to take away the corpse. Armand 
picks up the two swords to put them away. A voice and a 
shot at the same time from the rear.) 

{A Voice.) 
Lay down your arms ! 

SCENE VIII. 

Same: The four drop the corpse, crawl on their stom- 
achs, grab their muskets. Also Armand and Jannette with 
Marie. All ready for battle under the shelter of the em- 
bankment. Shooting begins. 

(Voice, again.) 
Surrender, there ! Give up to the law ! 

Armand (from behind a rock). 
Step right in friend ! 

(Voice.) 
Stand up! (A spiked helmet appears in back moving 
from right to left.) 



ACT III. SCENE VIII. 89 

Jannette {shooting at the same time). 
We will stand up to lay you down ! 

(Shots are exchanged; two more helmets are seen in rear 
for a while, then fall back again.) 

(Voice, again.) 
Surrender, you scoundrels ! ! 

Armand (shooting). 
Charge 'em there ! ! Don't let him bull you, fellows ! 

(Intense firing from both sides, the helmets behind disap- 
pear. Durand, Maurice, Goboreau and Roquiere begin to 
crawl slowly up the embankment. Madame Grevier appears 
at the hut door calling David, who is laying on his stomach 
beside his sister.) 

Madame Grevier. 

Mondieu ! Mondieu ! ! David ! Where are you ? 

(Firing from both sides.) 

(From rear.) 
Surrender ! . . . You rascals ! 

Madame Grevier. 
David ! Come here ! 

David. 
Oh, keep still! 

( The four succeed in going over the embankment and dis- 
appear with fury.) 

Armand (to Jannette). 
Watch that ridge there ! I will go over from this side ! 

Durand' s Voice. 
Get him there ! Crush him, boys ! ! 

Armand 
(crawling over embankment, disappearing). 
They are only a scouting party ! Get 'em all ! ! 

(Shooting goes on.) 



90 THE CONQUERED 

(A Voice) 
Charge 'em there ! ( Two or three more consecutive shots.) 

{A Voice, again.) 
Yes ! ! Only two on the other side ! Don't mind me ! 
Get' em, get em 



! I 



( The voices are confused with the shooting. ) 

Marie (to Jannette). 
Somebody is hurt. 

Jannette. 
I wonder who. 

( The shooting ceases.) 

( A Voice, from rear. ) 
We got 'em all ! 

( Other Voice. ) 
One got away and Durand is wounded ! 



Arm and (voice). 
Ouick, boys ! Let's carry him in ! 

Jannette. 
Durand ! Poor Durand ! ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Merciful God ! 

Marie (brokenly). 
Someone got away, too ! 

Durand's Voice (coming closer). 
Ouch ! Don't touch me there ! 

Armand's Voice (still nearer). 
Be careful there ! The pass is narrow ! 

(Jannette and Marie stand up at the foot of the em- 
bankment, waiting. Madame Grevier, with Roxane, joins 
them.) 

Madame Grevier. 

Mondieu ! Mondieu ! 



ACT III. SCENE IX. 91 



SCENE IX. 



Same: Armand, Roquiere, Maurice and Goboreau enter 
from rear, carrying Durand. The women meet them as 
they descend. 

Marie (to Durand). 
Is it very bad*? How are you feeling? 

Durand. 
Ouch ! ( To Mane) : Oh, not much ! 

Armand. 
Ladies, we haven't got much time for petulancy ; get 
some bandages and water ! 

(They lay Durand on center. Marie enters hut, reappear- 
ing instantly. Jannette gets some water from a basin by 
the fire.) 

Armand (speaking to the men). 

Get busy — all of you ! Gather up everything ; we must 
leave as soon as possible. 

(The three start packing up. Marie strips the cloth, 
making bandages. Armand opens Durand' s shirt at the 
shoulder.) 

Madame Grevier. 

Durand, my boy — they have got you again! 

Durand (smiling pleasantly). 
No, mother, they haven't got me; I am here. 

Marie (bandaging his arm). 
They gave you a taste of the Kultur. 

Armand (stripping Durand'' 's pants at the ankle). 
Those are nothing! 

Madame Grevier. 
Blessed good God ! I thought it was one ! 

Durand (trying to be cheerful). 
Yes, they are two ! Last time I had three. That is why 
I am sore — because they didn't give me enough. 



92 THE CONQUERED 

Maurice (finishing gathering up things). 
We have everything ready. 

Armand {standing up). 
All ready to start ? 

The Three. 
All ready to go! 

Durand {painfully). 
Leave me the automatic and cartridges. 

Armand. 
We won't leave you here. 

Durand. 

It will retard your escape! 

Armand. 
Don't you worry about that. Watch me fixing you a 
walking cane ! {He goes to the hut, gets a forked branch, 
trims it with his sword, then helps Durand up.) Here is 
your walking stick — try it! 

Durand {standing on one leg, leaning on stick). 
Alright, doc! You are some veterinarian, believe me. 
Thanks ! 

Armand {cheery, as Durand tries to walk). 
Ha! ha! You are a big boy — already starting to walk! 
( To the rest) : Isn't he great ? Just look at him, boys. 

Durand {seeing all his comrades attention in his direction). 
That is easy when you have to! I could walk on my 
head to follow you! 

Armand {lifting his haversack on his back). 
Let's hike while the night conceals our movements from 
the spying enemy. 

{All pack up ready to start.) 

Madame Grevier {yawns). 
Mondieu . . . Mondeiu. Where will we be next? 



ACT III. SCENE IX. 93 

Armand. 
Never mind, mother. We'll excuse the place on our 
return. 

Jannette {taking Roxane in her arms). 
Yes — if we return. 

Armand {sizing them all up). 
All set? March! 

{All start to exit on the left of the embankment. Roquiere, 
Maurice and Goboreau ahead; Marie at the side of Durand; 
Madame Grevier, with David by the hand, follows them; 
Jannette, carrying Roxane, ahead of Armand. All except 
Armand and Jannette have ascended the embankment.) 

Armand {to Jannette). 
Let me pack her, Jannie! 

Jannette. 
You have enough to pack — never mind. 

Armand {bending his back). 
Now, put her on that camel's hunch. 

{Jannette obeys. All stand looking at the abandoned 
place in silence, forming a tableau of departure. Armand 
recites.) 

Armand. 

Habitation goodbye, 

Beloved dear land 
Of refuge, sacred nativity. 

If we must die, 

Thy rights to defend 
For everlasting peace and liberty, 

We shall gladly give 

The blood as we live. 
And as we die, accept it for eternity! 
Land to your sons constant near, 
Land to us all, precious and dear. 



94 THE CONQUERED 

Mother land, oh dear bed, 

Sacred sepulchre to be — 
Of present sorrows and joys of the past, 

In your bosom our dead 

Lay for an eternity. 
Oh, land of memories, hospitable nest, 

We're oppressed and wrought. 

Your heroes died and fought 
To preserve you ; in thy bosom they rest. 
They fought united, master and slave, 
All together to the end and the grave. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT IV. 

(Still Outlaws in the Hills.) 

The scene as nearly the same aspect as the third act. 
In the center of the stage is an oak tree with its top torn 
off by some violent force, as from shell or whirlwind. A 
big flat rock leans over the trunk, making a shelter or a 
hollow place. To the right is a crater dug by some ter- 
rible explosion, [n this crater is the camp fireplace. In 
the rear a trench built of dirt and rock. In the background 
is a stretch of tableland covered with shrubs and a few 
green trees here and there, which are half ruined and de- 
vastated. A trail starting from an opening on the left side 
of the trench winds itself away among the trees and low 
swamp, ending abruptly at the edge of some precipice in 
distance. Madame Grevier with Durand, still convalescent, 
is seated by the oak tree. Marie and Jannette are at the 
embankment playing with David and Roxane, where the 
little flag stands fluttering. It is day time. The sun ap- 
pears well up on the eastern horizon. The people are pale 
and worn — the place desolated. Silence. 

SCENE I. 
Madame Grevier and Durand are sitting by the oak 
tree. Jannette, Marie, David and Roxane in rear by the 
embankment. Durand is still convalescent. 

Madame Grevier (sadly to Durand). 
It's awful — if they don't come soon ! 

Durand. 
Yes, mother, it is — nothing to eat. 

Madame Grevier. 
And they left last night. 

95 



96 THE CONQUERED 

Durand {hopefully). 
I believe Armand has crossed the lines. 

Madame Grevier. 
It is throwing one's life into the fire! 

Durand. 
It is, mother . . . 

Madame Grevier. 
I can't rest at all ! I fear something has happened . . . 

Durand {encouraging). 
Please keep such things off your mind, mother. 

Madame Grevier. 
Anything is apt to happen nowadays. You know . . . 

Durand. 

We must not surrender to despair. 

Madame Grevier. 
It doesn't help any, but — 

Durand. 
Certainly not ! We shall hope and win. 

{Marie and Jannette come toward them; despair is 
written on Marie's face.) 

Madame Grevier {as she sees them advancing). 
Hush . . . Change subject . . . 

Durand {speaking aloud). 
Why mother ! We are only a few miles from the lines ! 

Marie {advancing). 
We are closer to starvation. 

Madame Grevier. 
Providence is coming. 

Marie. 
That providence has to cross the German lines twice. 

Durand. 
What matters if it gets here"? 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 97 

Marie. 
Bullets are regardless of circumstances. 

Jannette (pained). 
Please, Marie, why do you predict so? Hope for the 
best. 

Marie. 
Yes, that is what we have been doing for a long time — 
hoping for the best and got the worst. 

Durand. 
I thought you were the most brave person here — what's 
the matter*? Are you giving up to despair? 

Marie. 
Nothing of the sort — only — I would give anything for 
something to eat ! 

Jannette. 
You need not say so — we know it, too. 

Marie. 
I tried to fit the discussion to the subject. What lays 
between peril and salvage . . . 

Durand. 
Only a few miles from the lines ! And there (pointing 
to the rear) are the Liberty boys from America fighting the 
Uhlans! An American-French offensive is on right now; 
in a few hours the Boche may be driven away and then we 
are saved ! 

Marie. 
It's like an old story of the movies ; imagination and de- 
sire are of the same family — easy they come and faster 
they go. 

Madame Grevier. 
Well, what do you expect? 

Marie. 
Even that feeling of expectancy is dying out. 

Jannette. 
You are intoxicated with madness ! 



98 THE CONQUERED 

Marie. 
Not that ! With hope and hunger ! ! 

Durand. 
How long ago did this happen *? 

Jannette (aside to Madame Grevier). 
She is losing her reason. 

Marie. 
It happened about four years ago. 

Durand (puzzled). 
How's that — what do you mean*? 

Marie (standing up) 

Since the Germans invaded Belgium we fell in the dread- 
ful pit of misery and expectancy! (Grief ly) : I am tired! 
The British and French started soon as we fell under the 
Prussian blows, to come and liberate innocent Belgium ! We 
are still expecting them, aren't we? The Russians entered 
the game of bloody war in the name of God and humanity, 
crossed Poland back and forth, got tired of their misrulers, 
overthrew them, and now they are killing each other to relax 
their tired nerves by exercising fratricidal slaughter! We 
are still expecting! The Italians, though they do not get 
any laurels from the rest of the world, they did join to 
help the humanity cause, took a hand after our fall and 
kept a million of Austrians busy for three vears, making 
headway until the mysterious London politicians and the 
brothell house of Paris felt the pangs of jealousy and 
restricted her ammunition so the Prussians could go along 
unmolested committing infanticides and make North Italy 
taste the Prussian-edged sword . . . And — we a-r-e still 
expecting ! ! 

Durand (fiercely). 

Marie ! You are denouncing our best friends ! It is un- 
just! Unfair to the people that are endeavoring our re- 
demption. 

Marie (heated). 

That is the pretext to save their own skins ! But if they 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 



99 



would go at it right and be fair with themselves this whole- 
sale slaughter would end ! 

Durand. 
You know that Germany was prepared for this long ago! 

Marie. 

Ya! Germany also has headquarters in Paris and Lon- 
don! I heard it while I was in the dungeon! 
Durand. 

You can't believe anything the Germans say! It is 
typical of them to turn you against your friends ! 

Marie. 

It may be so, but let us look at the facts ! The poor 
Italian armv that fought so bravely from May, 1915, to 
October, 1917, gained slowly and hung fast for three years, 
was defeated in two weeks ! Do you believe that if the con- 
trolling and distributing miserable hand of mystic London, 
with the dangerous red lantern of Paris, had given what she 
wanted in time— not men— munitions and provisions, the 
fruits of three years struggle could be wrenched m two 
weeks? (Fierce): Not on your life!! Just bear this in 
mind ■ Italy received what she wanted after she was de- 
feated ! Serbia and Rumania were recognized after they 
were mutilated ! ! Russia's plight observed after the giant 
was laid low! Look at the vilest and miserable failure 
in Mesopotamia! And then!! listen to the slogan of un- 
steady carcasses of politicians in Paris and London! Crying 
for help in the name of humanity ! ! What's the use to give 
this help-this energy-to be wasted by their narrow 
minds! Or else by their treachery!! (She pauses to take 

breath.') 

Durand (seizing the opportunity). 

Marie, we must not misjudge those people, as the English 

and French diplomats are great men! The spies are being 

nearly cleaned out now! You know how they can lay low. 

Madame Grevier. 

The wretches are so cunning! 



100 THE CONQUERED 

Marie {resuming with force). 
Yes, they are cunning, but Dutch goldleaf is more cun- 
ning to certain people ! As for being there they are wel- 
come — or the hospitality is very becoming, I suppose. {Dis- 
missing the thought) : Never mind ! We go back to where 
we began ! The expectancy, I think it was. So we are still 
expecting ! Now the Americans are coming from across the 
sea — from the land of Liberty ! The Liberty boys are com- 
ing!! {In appealing tone) : Sweet boys of Liberty! Come! 
Haste, please, haste! We are ex-pec-ting!! {She buries 
her face, exhausted. Durand sighs helplessly. Madame 
Grevier speaks piteously.) 

Madame Grevier. 
Oh, for a Cromwell, a Grant, or Lincoln of America! 
A Garibaldi! or a Napoleon to blaze the trail to freedom 
for the small-bore, myopic politician of London and Paris 
in whose unsteady hands lies a task too great for their 
feeble and perceptible minds to carry through! 

{David and Roxane salute the flag and come to the group, 
stop a few feet away, attracting the attention of the four.) 

Roxane {advancing). 
I am hungry ! ( The four turn bewildered.) 

David {pressing his abdomen). 
Look how soft it is . . . 

Durand. 
Where is the flag"? 

David {pointing to the rear). 
Back there. {Roxane goes to her sister.) 

Jannette {embracing Roxane). 
Go back and watch it! 

Durand. 
A Boche may steal it from you. 

Roxane. 
I am hungry! hoo hoo . . . 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 101 

David 

I can't even see while I am hungry. 
Madame Grevier {kneeling down with the rest in act of 
prayer; all silent but Madame Grevier, who recites). 

Oh! Provident and merciful Lord! Thou hast omni- 
potent power! Thy mercy, Thy help, is needed to relieve 
this handful of derelicts. Blessed be Thy Name, forever. 

Amen. 

{The prayer is through. Silence.) 

David {breaking the silence). 

I am still hungry! 

Jannette. 

Shame ! 

Madame Grevier. 

Shu! 

David {persistently). 
If I see that fellow God, I will ask for bread! 

Madame Grevier. 
Naughty boy ! You will burn in the fire forever. 

David. 

They say that He is kind to little girls and boys. 

Durand {raising with difficulty). 
Yes, sonny. {Walks around the oak tree, gets haversack, 
produces two small chunks of black bread; gives a piece to 
each child, saying) : Now, go and watch the flag. 

David (chewing the bread.) 
Alright! thanks! {They both walk toward the flag.) 

Madame Grevier. 
And thank God my children ! 

David {turning). 
How can I thank Him if I don't know who He is 4 ? 

Madame Grevier. 
He is everything ! You naughty rebel ! 



102 THE CONQUERED 

David {walking away). 
He may be nothing for all I know. 

Marie {scorning). 
Merciful Lord! Allelujah! 

Madame Grevier {offended). 
What are you laughing at? 

Marie {enforcing the laughter). 
I am laughing at your Lord Jewish Christ and his family, 
Ha! ha! ha! 

Jannette. 
Are you out of your senses'? 

Durand. 
You are mad, Marie. 

Marie. 
I am hungry! 

{Madame Grevier and Jannette shake their heads sadly.) 

Durand. 
You are contrary to everything today. 

Marie {offended). 
Still expecting that man who died vilely on the cross 
1918 years ago somewhere in Egypt? Why, it is worse 
than waiting for the Czar Nicholas, who was shot by the 
Bolsheviki, to come and liberate Belgium ! 

Madame Grevier. 
Good Lord ! What shall we do with her ? 

Marie. 
Do? Give me something to eat! 

Madame Grevier. 
Where do I get it my child? 

Marie. 
Ask that superhuman person, the possessor of everything. 
Isn't he our friend? 

Madame Grevier. 
You are lost, my dear! Lost, lost! 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 103 

Marie. 
So are you ! In the forest without food . . . 
Jannette. 

Your soul is lost. 

Marie. 
I know it {showing her bare feet). I am bare-footed ! 

Durand {unable to restrain his mirth). 
What do you suggest, anyway? 

Marie {bitterly). 
Why, tighten your belt half a dozen points more ; then 
kneel down and pray to your Lord to send the manna of the 
Hebrews or else call on the leacherous politicians of Fans . 

(Thus said she walks away, leaving the three spellbound. 
A thunder of cannon is heard in the distance. All listen 
intently. Marie walks to where David and Roxane are on 
the embankment, then turns back again.) 

Durand {joyfully). 
They are the French and Americans pounding the Hun ! 

{Again sounds of artillery in the distant, but audibly.) 

Marie {returning). 
The guns are speaking again! 
Durand. 
They are, and they will keep on until Heinie is beaten! 

{On the trail from the rear appears Armand carrying 
haversack and gun.) 

SCENE II. 

Same: Armand entering, speaks to children, then ad- 
vances to the group. Jannette meets him; the company 
brightens at Armand's arrival. 

Armand. 
Hello, there! (Kisses Roxane, shakes hand with David.) 
How is my little sister and brother? 



104 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette {running to meet him). 
Armand! {They embrace.) Oh! thank heaven! How 
happy — 

Armand {kissing her fervently). 
My Jannie! Dearest, sweet and tender heart! 

Jannette {half sobbing). 
I — I — was, oh ! dear . . . 

Armand {understanding). 
I know — you was worrying. {All four walk to oak tree 
where Madame Grevier and Marie, with D tar and, are 

anxiously waiting.) 

Armand {as he advances). 
How is everybody and everything*? 

Jannette {bursting with happiness). 
All well, now ! 

Madame Grevier {affectionately). 
Armand! My boy, you are here at last! 

Armand {freeing himself of the burden). 
Yes, here I am ! Did you think that I was going to stay 
away from you all ? Nothing of the sort ! It was hot com- 
ing up that trail, too, believe me . . . 

Marie {serious). 
Providence always finds bad roads. 

{Cannonading goes on audibly. Armand empties haver- 
sack, which contains meat, fruit and bread, saying) : 

Come on folks, help yourselves ! 

{All sit to eat, eagerly.) 

Madame Grevier {snatching at some bread). 
This is our God's providence. 

Marie. 
Ya — it tastes good, alright! 

Madame Grevier. 
Marie, you are impertinent ! 



ACT IV. SCENE II. 105 

Marie {with mouthful), 
I may be, but this sure tastes good. 

{Durand and Armand exchange looks; Jannette nods 
comprehensively. The echo of battle is heard again.) 

Armand {to Marie and Madame Grevier). 
Please do not be quarreling about food and religion; 
they differ in taste and standing . . . 

Madame Grevier. 
Do you know what is the difference*? 

Armand {gently). 
I do ! Mother. 

Madame Grevier. 
May I know? What is it? 

Armand. 
That food satisfies an empty stomach. 

Madame Grevier. 
And religion? 

Armand. 
Is empty itself. 

David {biting an apple). 
I wonder if God has given us anything. 

Madame Grevier {all upset). 
He has given us everything! 

{Marie laughs; Armand motions to her to keep still. 
Madame Grevier is offended. The noise of battle is heard.) 

David {feeling good). 
Sure, God didn't give us this. 

Madame Grevier. 
No wonder we are suffering thus ! It is God's will ! 
to punish our sins! You are all heretics. 

Armand {to David). 
Young rascal, you will get spanked! 



106 THE CONQUERED 

David {rebellious). 
Aw, I haven't seen him anyway. 

Armand. 
None questions you — shut up ! 

David {timidly). 
You all talk about it ! 

Armand {changing subject). 
Folks, I met the brightest bunch of young men last 
night. 

Jannette. 
Do tell us all, please. 

Marie {interested). 
Who were they — the Liberty boys'? 

Armand {with enthusiasm). 
The Liberty boys from America! They are so eager to 
swat the Kaiser that the Kun will break down before they 
touch him ! 

Marie. 
Very interesting. 

Madame Grevier. 
They are sons of God. 

Armand. 
They call themselves the sons of Uncle Sam. 

Jannette. 
Are they good looking 4 ? 

Armand. 
They are the sweetest kind on God's green earth ! Good 
natured, just shooting the Hun down and singing My 
Country 'Tis of Thee and the Star-Spangled Banner. 

{They all appear cheerful. The guns are heard as the 
battle seems to be nearing.) 

Jannette. 
Can they speak French*? 



ACT IV. SCENE II. 107 

Armand {smiling). 
Certainly; they sing the Marseillaise as they throw 
hand grenades to the Boches. 

Jannette. 
Are they interesting talkers? 

Armand. 
Why, yes — they even told me how their sweethearts are 
asking in their letters to leave the French girls alone and 
come home victorious and bring a piece of the Kaiser's skin 
in token of honor — be careful and don't get hurt from a 
German bullet ! 

Marie {sighing). 
Aren't they great? 

Armand. 
They will do it, too! 

Durand {eyeing Marie). 
Our ladies are in love with those Liberty boys already. 

Armand {threatening with his finger). 
Remember ! They have sweethearts at home ! 

Durand. 
Also it is a sin to vampirize the boys ! 

Marie. 
It would make you all jealous ! 

{The guns thunder more and more; musketry coming 
near.) 

Armand {resuming). 

They told me about the celebration of the fall of the 
Bastille ; also the American independence day, July the 4th ! 

{Shooting nearer.) 

Durand {listening). 
They are celebrating now! Hear it? 

Armand. 
I tell you the Liberty boys are speedy ! 



108 THE CONQUERED 

Durand (as the battle seems nearer). 
We ought to get ready to croak a few Boches. They are 
driving 'em back. 

Armand. 
Righto! They may pass here any minute. 

SCENE III. 

Same: Armand, Jannette, Durand and Marie inspect 
their rifles. Maurice enters from rear, walking with diffi- 
culty, his clothes torn to shreds. As he reaches the group 
he falls exhausted. The group falls into silence, distressed. 

Maurice (as he falls). 
Water ! Please ! I am burning ! 

Jannette (bringing water). 
He's dying! 

Armand (trying first aid). 
Where are the other two ? 

Madame Grevier (as Maurice drinks). 
Poor unfortunates ! Oh ! implacable fate ! (dabbing her 
eyes with a rag). Can this human immolation be ended"? 

Maurice (with difficulty). 
Hu-rr-a-h ! Death to the Hun ! ! 

Armand (unbuttoning Maurice's shirt). 
Do not talk too loud, brother. Where is Goboreau and 
Roquiere — can't you tell us? 

Maurice (with difficculty). 
Yes ! Roquiere got shot and died instantly be-s-ides me ! 
About three hours ago. He sent you all his farewell with 
me ! So I came to bring it to you — with mi-ne ! 

Armand (clenching his teeth bitterly). 
And Goboreau 1 ? 

( The noise of battle is nearing.) 



ACT IV. SCENE III. 109 

Maurice {resuming). 
I haven't seen him since yesterday! {Taking breath.) 
But them Americans are driving Heinie to hell to-da-y! 

Armand {restraining his emotion). 
Yes, they are ! You bet they are ! 

{Sounds of rifle shots near.) 

{A Voice.) 
Kamerad ! Ka-me-rad ! ! 

{Other Voices.) 
Hold steady! 

Maurice. 
Never surrender! 

Armand and Durand. 
Not alive! . . . Never! 

{Shooting goes on intensely.) 

Maurice {faintly). 
Promi-se never su-rr-ender! {Tries to sit up, so Armand 
helps him.) Promi-se me bro-thers-a-nd si-sters! Nev-er 
surre-nder ! . . . goo-d-bye ! {Falls back.) 

{The group is oppressed by pain. Voice of battle nearer 
and nearer.) 

{Voice.) 
Charge to the right ! Fall in line ! ! 

{Other Voices.) 
Kamerad ! Kamerad ! 

Armand. 
Heart up! Bro-ther! 

Maurice 
{opening his eyes, attempts to smile in spite of the agony). 
Hur-rah for pro-ud Bel-gium! Fight and die. Sur- 



110 THE CONQUERED 

render? Ne-v-er ! {Closes his eyes forever. The group 
kneels down in act of prayer.) 

Madame Grevier (reciting). 
Piteous Jesus, Father of all humans, King of the uni- 
verse, at this moment of stress we all pray humbly thy 
bounty to accept this gentle soul, just leaving the valley 
of sorrows and darkness. With all our mighty hearts we 
recommend it to Thee to be admitted into your Heavenly 
Kingdom, in premium for his deeds on this thorny earth! 
Blessed be our Lord Jesus. Amen. 

(The group raises reverently; Armand covers Maurices 
face with a sack. Shooting nears.) 

David (looking at the gun on the dead mans chest). 
I want that gun ! If you ain't going to send it to God. 

Madame Grevier. 
God have mercy upon you ! 

(The group is stupified at David's pretenses. Sounds of 
musketry; voice audibly clear.) 

(Voice.) 
Fall in line there ! 

David (still looking at the gun). 
I want it to kill a Boche ! God does not need it ! 

Armand (taking the gun). 
Alright ! I will give it to you ! 

(Voice, closely.) 
Open charge ! Kame-r-a . . . 

Armand (handing the gun to David, commanding). 
Take your posts ! . . . Ready ! 



ACT IV. SCENE IV. HI 

SCENE IV. 
Same: Armand, Jannette, Marie, Durand and David 
all take their arms and shelter on the embankment, ready 
for battle. Madame Grevier takes Roxane and disappears 
into the hut, formed by the oak tree. Expectant silence from 
this side. Voices from the rear with shooting audibly clear 

and close. 

(Voice, in despair.) 
Kamerad! Kamerad! 

(Other Voice.) 
Get 'em there ! 

(Shooting intense in rear.) 

(Voice, again.) 
Ka-me-rad ! ! 

(Two German soldiers appear crossing from left to right 
in rear. Armand and Jannette take aim, shoot, and the 
Germans fall.) 

(Commanding Voice.) 

Steady ! Steady ! you rascals ! ! 

(Shooting confused with voices of battle; six or seven 
German soldiers appear on the same place of the first two.) 

Armand (to Jannette and Durand). 

We'll crack every one of them! 

(They shoot; the Germans notice the unexpected attack 
and crawl on their stomachs and begin firing madly. Durand 
makes a move, is hit; falls, dropping his gun.) 

Durand (as he falls). 
Hold 'em ! There ! Don't mind me ! ! 

(Voice, in rear from left.) 
Crush him boys! Open charge! 

(Marie, trying to succor Durand, exposes herself and 
falls in a heap close to him.) 



112 THE CONQUERED 

Durand {opening his eyes). 
Ma-ri-e gir-rl ! The-e-y h-i-hit you ! 

Marie (dragging herself close). 
My soul and yo-urs wi-1-1 b-e-be u-ni-ted ! 

(Voice, from rear, mixed with shooting.) 
Eat 'em up boys ! eat 'em up ! 

Madame Grevier (coming out from hut). 
My children ! Oh ! Lord ! ! (She raises her arms upward 
in commiseration.) Marie*? Ma — 

Marie (brokenly). 
Goo-bye . . . Mo-ther ! For-gi-ve me ! ! 

Armand (seeing Madame Grevier exposed). 
Get down! Mother! Hey! (Before he can finish, she 
falls.) 

Madame Grevier (dropping to the ground). 
Goo-d-bye dears ! God may help yo-u ! ! 

Armand 
(rushing out blindly at the edge of the embankment, 
cursing) . 
Down with you, dogs ! (Before he can get over he is hit 
and drops back with a grunt.) Ah ! Brothers of Cain ! 

(Voice, in rear.) 
Pin that coyote! 

(Two or three German soldiers get up and rush away 
to the right; musketry and voice of battle.) 

SCENE V. 

Same : Jannette goes to aid Armand. David and Roxane 
later. Roxane has fainted. 

Jannette (desperately). 
Armand ! My love ! 

Armand (smiling in spite of the pain). 
Leave you? Never! 



ACT IV. SCENE V. 113 

David {sobbing). 
Armand ! 

{Voice, in rear.) 
Good work, boy! 

Armand {to David). 
Courage, my little brother hero ! Don't cry ! ! 

Jannette {feeling Armand' s cheek). 
You won't leave us, dearest . . . 

Armand {to David). 
Get your sister ! Where is she *? {To Jannette) : Don't 
fret now, Jannie — my faithful, sweet companion ! 

{David goes to the hut, gets Roxane, who has fainted. 
The shooting and noise grows less. David, carrying Rox- 
ane, cries.) My little sister, have they killed you, too*? 

Armand {hearing David). 
What *? Oh, no ! She must have fainted ! ( To Jan- 
nette) : Take your sister, dear . . . 

{Jannette takes her from David, shakes the little limpy 
form; Roxane revives.) 

Roxane {reviving). 
Sis ! hoo ! oh, sis ! 

Armand {to David). 
There is your sister's young hero ! There is your flag ! 
Hurrah for young Belgium! Hurrah! 

{The shooting has ceased; in the background appear four 
American soldiers, one carrying the stars and stripes half 
torn by shell.) 

First Soldier. 

I saw two or three disappear that way ! 

Other Soldier. 
Be careful ! 

Jannette. 
Armand, you are getting pale! 



114 THE CONQUERED 

Armand {shaking). 
I feel cold. 

{The Americans hear Armand and advance with leveled 
guns.) 

Soldiers {entering). 
Who's there ? 

Armand {recognizing them). 
Friends ! 

SCENE VI. 

Same: American soldiers as they enter. 

Who is here*? 

Armand {weakly). 
Liberty brothers, you are welcome ! 

First Soldier {as he notices the dead bodies). 
Who are these people who died so bravely*? 

Jannette {standing up). 
Sons of Belgium . . . 

Second Soldier {surprised). 
A lady and child 4 ? {They advance, looking around.) 
Been having a scrap, eh*? 

Armand {trying to be cheery). 
Hello, defenders of humanity! 

Third Soldier 
{taking off haversack, producing an emergency kit). 
Hello, scrapper! {First aid operation is performed; tkt 
battle has died out; all is quiet.) 

Armand {as the soldier works). 
It is unnecessary — I am going ! 

Jannette {sobbing miserably). 
Don't speak like that ! Oh, dear ! Wha-t I — I do *? 

Third Soldier {aside to his comrades). 
He is done for good . . . 



ACT IV. SCENE VI. 115 

David {bitterly). 
Who done it — is gone ! 

Third Soldier {after finishing the operation). 
Let's go and hunt for that bunch of cannibals ! 

The Others. 
Alright! Let's go! 

{They take their hats off to Jannette, saying:) 
With your permission, rnadame, we will be back presently. 

Armand {hearing their departure). 
Goodbye, brothers ! Very glad of your visit ! 

{Soldiers shake hands with him. David picks up Ar- 
mand's gun, ready to go.) 

Soldier {to David). 
Where are you going, son*? 

David. 
I am going with you ! . . . 

Soldier. 
Stay with your ma, young man ! 

David {firmly). 
I want to kill a Boche. They have killed my brothers, 
father and mother ! 

Jannette. 
You better stay here, honey. 

David. 

No, sister, I must go! 

Armand {to soldiers). 
Take him along! He will stick to the last {calling David 
and shaking hands with him.) My brave little brother ! 
God be with you ! and don't forget your sisters ! You are 
the only ray of hope left to them ! {Dropping the boy's 
hand) : Good luck to you, young Belgium ! (He drops 
back with a painful sigh. The soldiers and David are ready 
to go, promising Jannette to return presently.) 



116 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette {kissing David). 
God may guide you dear! 

David {manly). 
Please, sis, don't cry! {Soldiers and David exit.) 

CURTAIN. 

For five minutes intermezzo in order that the cadavers re- 
move themselves before they rot on the stage. To entertain 
the audience, while the curtain is down, a recitation is 
necessary. Here it is: 

It is unfair to offend 

Those, who they may be. 
Just and pure — even spotless. 

Unjust to contend 

Their candid purity. 
If I have, I am sorry, I confess. 

Never meant or did to 

Touch what is good in you. 
Only the guilty — no more, no less, 
Who are corrupt with blood lusty 
With their souls, black and rusty. 

The just are always brave, 

Of their deeds proud ; 
In their souls, no guilt, no stain. 

Shuns breeds to the grave 

Will be sung there about. 
Avoid them like fire or stormy rain. 

Boycott 'em in deluge, 

So they may refuge 
Into remorse and torturing pain, 
Remembering all their misdeeds — 
Seeking amends, with rosary beads. 

{Curtain up.) 



ACT IV. SCENE VII. 117 

SCENE VII. 

Same : Jannette, Armand and Roxane by the oak tree. 
Jannette has an arm around Armand's neck; Roxane is 
cuddled up by Jannette's lap ; Armand is pale and breathes 
with difficulty. 

Armand {praising the Americans), 
Aren't they the best specimens in the world? 

Jannette. 
They are very nice, gentle, witty, and very, very kind. 

Armand {tired). 
You are all safe now — I am so glad! 

Jannette (passing one hand on his face). 
Dearest, you are getting cold! 

Armand. 
Never cold while I am with you ! 

Jannette {depressed). 
You won't leave us ! 

Armand {getting weak). 
I keep my promise . . . 

Jannette. 
What promise, dear? 

Armand. 
My last breath to transmit my sincere love into your 
tender and gentle soul. 

Jannette {choking with pain). 
Life will be a burden to me ! 

Armand {sobbing). 
Jannie, you must live for my sake ! 

Jannette. 
Yes, I will live a dead one's life. 

Armand {brokenly). 
Live for whatever, sw-eet-he-art ! For your bro-ther a-nd 
sister! {closing his eyes.) My eyelids are getting heavy! 



118 THE CONQUERED 

All is oblivion. The fruitful toils are coming to an end! 
{Opening his eyes again.) Kiss me a good rest, my love! 

(Jannette kisses him on the lips, holds his head close to 
her breast. Roxane, hiding her face, shakes with sobs.) 

Armand (opening his eyes again). 
Jannie! It's too hard to leave you! But I must go! 

Jannette. 
Armand! my Ar-m-an-d! . . . Speak to me! 

Armand (weakly). 
Y-es- ! . . . De-ar ! You were the sweetest of beings 
to me ! . . . Goo-d-bye ! . . . God be with . . . 
yo-u . . . 

Jannette 
(dropping on the lifeless form, sobbing miserably). 
Armand ! My lo-ve ! ! My tender and dear mate, you are 
gone ! And, with you, I must follow ! 

(Jannette takes the sword from his scabbard, holds it with 
both hands ready to stab herself.) 

Roxane (raising her head, crying). 
No ! ! Please ! . . . Sis . . . Don't leave me alone ! 

Jannette (dropping the sword). 
Oh ! God . . . My sist-er ! No, dear ! No ... I — 
I won't . . . I — I . . . 

(Voice, in rear.) 
It was a close call ! 

David (voice). 
You got him first! 

Jannette (listening). 
My brother too ^ 

(David's voice.) 
Take me to my sister ! 

(A soldier's voice.) 
Certainly ! 



ACT IV. SCENE VIII. 119 

SCENE VIII. 

Same: The four American soldiers enter, two carrying 
David on a stretcher. Jannette and Roxane. 

Jannette (as the soldiers lay David by the oak tree.) 
Brother, dear ! What *? You too ? 

David (attempting to smile). 
Calm, sis ! It's nothing serious ! 

Jannette (caressing his curls). 
Are you sure 1 ? 

David. 
Yes ; and about Armand ? 

Jannette (faintly). 
Armand*? He went away! Left a farewell for you! 

(Soldiers turn their heads away, unable to restrain the 
pitiful emotion.) 

David. 
You mean that he is dead 4 ? 

Jannette. 
No. He is living in my heart! He never dies as long 
as I live ! 

David. 
My po-or sister! Destiny and fate has been too brutal 
to you! But, please think that your life is most important 
to me and our little sister Roxane ! 

Jannette. 
Yes, yes ; life is more useful than death is. Also it's a 
burden ! 

David. 
Sis ! Please do not think that way ! 

Jannette. 
I must not think at all. Just keep on living a dead life. 

Soldier (attempting consolation). 
Madame, daylight enters at dawn ! 



120 THE CONQUERED 

Second Soldier. 
Changes are up to come. 

Third Soldier. 
At the end of a tempestuous winter enter spring ! 

Fourth Soldier. 
With spring, blossoms and sunshine. 

David {painfully). 
Pleasant things come in the end! 

Jannette. 
Yes, when it's almost too late. 

David. 
Better late than never. 

Soldier {aside to his comrades). 
We must take them to the field hospital. 

Second Soldier. 
Certainly. 

First Soldier. 
Madame, will you be so kind as to come with us ? 

Jannette. 
Where to? 

Soldier. 
To a more safe and hospitable place. 

Jannette {gratefully). 
You are very kind, gentlemen. 

Soldier. 
It's only a pleasure for us to be. 

David {exasperating). 
Gentle liberators, don't forget my flag! Please, take it 
along, stand her besides yours as a symbol of legacy, friend- 
ship and brotherhood! Stand them together as the people 
under them stood and will stand forever to abate Prussian 
vandalism ! The execrable civilization of the twentieth cen- 
tury ! {He pauses, tired.) 



ACT IV. SCENE VIII. 121 

Soldier. 
Will do that in the name of Democracy, Peace and Lib- 
erty for the entire world. 

Soldier. 
I will bring that flag which has been defended heroically 
against all abuses in spite of death and destruction. 

David (with difficulty.) 
Hurrah for America and her ideals ! 

(Soldier comes in with flag. General silence. A reverent 

salute to the two flags. David raises his hand to 

salute, then drops it weakly.) 

Jannette (with passion). 
Gentle and kind sons of America. It was very thoughtful 
of you to come to our aid. Your sublime souls and hearts 
are unquestionably kind. The generosity of your dear ones 
at home is proof of their benevolent thoughts toward hu- 
manity. Their love and spirit, to sacrifice all what is 
most precious and dear for a just cause, is exalted and emi- 
nently beyond comparison. I thank you with kindness and 
love (extending her hand toward the space). Even the silent 
tombs of the deceased Belgians express gratitude, regretting 
their inability of speech (pointing to the ground). The 
blood-stained soil of Belgium inspires thanks as your heroic 
feet stride on, carrying you to victory ! 

David (softly). 
Yes, tell everybody that we are grateful for the liberation 
of Belgium ! I — I — am very glad that I have met the Lib- 
erty boys ! (Falls back fainting.) 

Jannette (embracing him). 
David! my brother — David! (Turning to Roxane). You 
and I were — de-st-ined to see these lamenta-ble mo-ments ! 

(Soldiers stand stupefied, hat in hand.) 

David (faintly). 
Jannie ! Don't cry ! — I feel sleepy. Let me kiss you both ! 



122 THE CONQUERED 

Jannette (to Roxane). 
Kiss ou-r brother ! our li-ttle brother ! 

(Roxane kisses him, weeping softly). 

David (closing his eyes). 
Do not — cry, little — sister! I ain't going away! (He 
faints. The soldiers kneel down in act of prayer. General 
silence for a moment, then Jannette recites with oppression.) 

There goes my sun beams. 

Giving place to the darkest fate. 
To surround me with pain till I last. 

Cruel end of my happy dreams. 

Execrand death, oh ! beloved mate, 
Your life with my joys, in eternal rest! 

Oh, everlasting sadness, 

Taking the place of gladness, 
To bury, forever, the joys of the past. 

All journeying to unknown future, 

To lay with my love in sepulture. 

O, insupportable solitude, 

Merciless pains ! Oh ! my God, 
Revenge the sorrows of this heart afflict ! 

Cruel destiny ! Oh ! ingratitude ! 

Tyrant hand, dripping with blood, 
Drenching the soil! Will you ever quit 4 ? 

Causing without refrain, 

Misery and horrid pain, 
Destroying what's venerable and sweet, 

Of everything mostly above — 

Peace, happiness and love. 

Roxane (with a cry). 
Don't leave me, sis! I won't stay! 

David (opening his eyes as the faintness has passed). 
Sis ! — Please ! Ca-lm ! I — am here. ( Closes his eyes 
again, tired.) 



ACT IV. SCENE VIII. 123 

Soldier {kneeling down, feels the boy's heart). 
He is not dead! Just fainted. (Commiserating.) Poor 
bud ! He lost so much blood. 

Second Soldier. 
Let's take him to the field hospital. 

Third Soldier. 
Alright! Let's go. 

Fourth Soldier 

(who has the two flags, lays the Belgian on the stretcher 

beside David, picks up Roxane in his arms, 

speaking to the rest). 

Let's go, partners. (To Jannette.) Madame, are you 

ready *? 

Jannette (softly). 
Yes, I am, thanks. (Turning to the corpse of Armand.) 
No, I can't go ! (Kneeling down, embraces the dead body.) 
I can't leave you here all alone! (Weeps.) No! I — I can't! 

First Soldier (lifting her up tenderly.) 
Dear lady, be sensible now. Let's go. 

David (who has opened his eyes). 
Sis! Please — It's no use! Please — 

(Jannette rises up. Soldier put his arm around her. 
The other two soldiers take David's stretcher and walk 
ahead. Fourth soldier follows, carrying the flag and Rox- 
ane. Jannette, leaning on first soldier, follows behind. As 
they are exiting, turns, sends a few kisses to the dead body, 
saying :) 

Goodbye, hero ! Unconquerable brave heart, sublime 
spirit and gentle soul that death, only, has quelled such val- 
orous and noble beings as you were ! Goodbye ! 

curtain. 
FINIS. 



LBFe?n 



